Excavation for alleged buried treasure concludes without findings

Gampaha, Nov 24 (Daily Mirror) - The excavation in search of alleged buried treasure near the Central Expressway construction site in the Wanduramba area of Veyangoda ended yesterday evening without any discovery of treasure or items of archaeological value.

The excavation, which began on November 21, was initiated under a court order from the Attanagalle Magistrate’s Court following the arrest of nine individuals, including a man dressed in robes, who were suspected of digging for treasure at the site.

The operation involved personnel from the police, Special Task Force (STF), Mirigama Divisional Secretariat, Archaeological Department and the Road Development Authority. Initially, the court had granted permission for a two-day excavation period, which concluded on Friday afternoon. However, after presenting new information to the court, Veyangoda Police obtained an additional day for the operation, allowing the excavation to continue for a third day.

Work resumed at 9 a.m. yesterday, with authorities taking steps to break a large stone blocking further progress. The stone was crushed in front of the public.

Despite efforts to search the site thoroughly, no treasure or objects of historical significance were found. As a result, the excavation was officially concluded at 4 p.m. yesterday, with the agreement of all government officials present.