Two arrested for trying to sell small Stupa at Rs one billion

Two persons were arrested for attempting to sell a small stupa embedded with gems at Rs. 1 billion in Veyangoda, STF said today.  

In a raid at Yatagama in the Veyangoda area yesterday (January 9), the STF of Operations Unit III was able to arrest a 22 year old and a 34 year old, residents of Pasella and Kongala, who were in possession of a small stupa.  

The stupa, which is embedded with gems and archaeologically valuable, is believed to have been obtained from a treasure hunting activity. The suspects were to sell it at Rs. 1 billion through brokers.  

The stupa is 37cm in height and weighs 25kg. There are four bo-leaves carved on the each four sides, with gems embedded in each of them. The inside of the "sathares kotuwa" can be observed through two holes, where another gem around 2 inches wide and a 2 inch Buddha statue can be seen. 

Investigation has revealed that the stupa is originally from the Pothuvil Muhudu Maha Vihara and the treasure hunting has been conducted by a seperate group based in Batticalao, from whom the suspects arrested has obtained the stupa. 

It has also been revealed that the mother of the 23 year old has also been involved in treasure hunting and had spent one month in prison in regard to such charges. 

The raid was conducted by a group of STF officials of Operations Unit III, including OIC Inspector A. N. T. Kumar under the guidance of Assistant Superintendent of Police D. S. Kulasekara.