Treasure hunters vandalize Buddha statue

The ancient statue of Sleeping Buddha at the historic ancient Shailagiri Raja Maha Viharaya of Wathukana, Katupotha in Kurunegala was damaged by treasure hunters on the 27th of this month during nighttime.

This historic temple had been built by King Walagamba in the year 442 after the demise of Gauthama Buddha. This ancient invaluable statue was ruined by treasure hunters in the year 2011 too, said the chief incumbent of this temple Ven. Deliwe Narada Nayaka Thera, when Daily News inquired from him over this tragic incident. IP R. M. Jayathilake, OIC of the Katupotha Police is conducting further investigations in this regard to arrest the criminals with the help of police dogs and 12 police officers.