Five treasure hunters held in Kilinochchi

At least five treasure hunters were taken into custody during a patrol conducted in Mandekal Aru area, Kilinochchi on Sunday, the Navy said. 

A group of naval personnel attached to the Northern Naval Command, while patrolling in the Mandekal Aru area, have spotted a group of people behaving in a suspicious manner. After searching the area and interrogating the suspects, it was revealed that the group had engaged in treasure hunting. Along with the suspects equipment used for mining purpose were also taken into naval custody.

The suspects have been identified as residents of Awissawella and Padukka areas, aged 29, 34, 35, 47 and 48. The suspects along with items used for treasure hunting were handed over to the Nachchikuda Police for onward legal action.

Having understood the importance of the preservation of archaeological sites across the country, the Navy remains vigilant to crackdown on those engage in illicit excavating, trading and having in illicit possession artifacts.