Police dig into illicit treasure hunt within luxury meditation centre

Investigators are probing an alleged illegal dig of archeological artefacts and other activities inside the luxury meditation centre located in Imbulgoda, Kadawatha, a senior police official said yesterday.

He said the controversial meditation centre built at a cost of some Rs. 100 million was used by top VIPs of the former administration, where even security for the complex was provided by the security forces including the Army.

Police are investigating a huge crater found on a side of the sprawling complex indicating that some sort of treasure hunt had taken place from time to time.

The complex comprises ebony furnishings, a well equipped library, Italian bathroom fittings and also a helipad, he said.

Residents in the area had also noted the movement of heavy vehicles loaded with digging equipment that came and left the complex, mainly at night, from time to time, the official further said.

Deputy Minister for Social Affairs and Livestock Development Ranjan Ramanayake entered the complex along with the police.

Meanwhile, the premises have been emptied and personnel from the Special Task Force assigned to provide security. (LB)