Matugama Police arrested ten suspects who were involved in selling a gold statue weighing 13 1/2 kilos valued at Rs. 9 million to a police informant, police sources said.

Police believe the suspects had been engaged in digging an old treasure of a kingdom in the Palinda Nuwara in Pasdun Korale.

Recently Archaeological Dept. labourers were engaged in excavation work in an ancient temple premises in Palinda Nuwara.

The gold statue might have been found in the course of the excavation.
Police have summoned the Archaeological Dept. officials to conduct an inquiry. The suspects were to be produced before the Matugama Magistrate. (K. S. Fernando)