CID team to investigate looting of relics from Rambukkana Temple

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Inspector-General of Police has ordered to deploy a CID team from Colombo, to investigate the looting of ancient relics from the Kotawehera Raja Maha Viharaya in Rambukkana. The DIG of the Criminal Investigations Department was issued the relevant instructions in this regard, Police Spokesperson Attorney-at-Law SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st on Monday (Feb. 14). Accordingly, the CID will launch an investigation into the incident. It was reported on Saturday (Feb. 12) that five gold caskets and three crystal caskets kept at the Kotawehera Rajamaha Viharaya were stolen. Director-General of Archaeology, Senior Professor Anura Manatunga was hopeful that the stolen relics could be recovered soon. Meanwhile, three Police teams are conducting investigations, to apprehend the suspects behind the looting of ancient relics from the Kotawehera Raja Maha Viharaya in Rambukkana. According to Police, the CCTV cameras at the room in which the caskets were stored had been inactive for three months, while the other security cameras at the temple premises, were also not working. The stolen caskets were first found during excavations carried out in 1956 and 2000. Carbon Dating Tests carried out on the casket discovered in 1956 have revealed that it dates back to 250 BC, the Archaeology Department said. Historical records reveal that Prince Keerthi Tissa had built the Kotawehera Rajamaha Viharaya during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. The oldest evidence of silk in South Asia was also discovered from this site.