The looting of artefacts resumes
Valuable archaeological artefacts, including three inscriptions, two dagobas and several other antiques in the Eastern Province have been stolen by treasure hunters.
The destruction took place in Dharampalawa in the Bakmitiyawa Thiorigolla area belonging to the Pottuvil Divisional Secretariat.
According to the inscriptions this temple and a tank were developed by the kings Kutakanna Tissa, Kanikatissa and Bhatikhabhaya.
It is revealed that the chaitya (shrine sanctuary ) was demolished and several steps leading to the rocks were broken.
There are 8 and 5 foot inscriptions as well as stairs leading to the dagoba. Nearby, there is a small pond at the end of a flight of stairs leading down a rocky plateau.
On the way to the ruined dagoba two more rock carvings can also be seen. Several caves, as well as two flower seats measuring 6.12 feet in size, one of which had been demolished, and part of the other flower seat were covered with soil.
The inner chamber of the ancient stupa had been dug up 30 feet, seemingly in an attempt to look for treasure.
Below this plateau there was another brick kiln of historical value. It is disclosed that the devastation may have been carried out in recent times as bottles of beer, beer cans, and parts revealing to be of animals being hunted down were found at the site of the incident.
The looting of cultural and historical aspects cannot be dismissed easily; the respective authorities must take action.
Pix and Text Upul Wijesinghe