A metal Buddha statue with an antique value of Rs.60 million was seized today by the Dambulla Police. Two suspects were arrested including a former police constable who was part of the police intelligence unit while they were trying to sell the antique statue.

The suspects were arrested by a special police team that appeared as a party interested in buying the valuable Buddha statue weighing 48 kilogrammes.

The two men were arrested after they were asked to come near a tourist hotel in Dambulla to finalise the purchase and conclude the deal.

The Dambulla Police are investigating the matter under the directions of ASP P. K. Gnanasiri. As to how the suspects came to own the statue is yet to be established. They are currently being held under detention orders. (Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa)