Precious artifacts considered to be rarest in the world have been stolen by treasure hunters from ancient archaeological site at Deliwala Kotawehera of Rambukkana last night. It is reported that they have stolen seven ancient gold caskets and three crystal caskets, which are considered to be the rarest antiquities in the world.
It is reported that there was a golden replica of stupa too among stolen artifacts. .
Kotawehera of Deliwala was built during the era of King Dewanam Piyathissa and it was the only stupa which has not been subjected to any renovation since then. Archaeological evidences prove that it has built under the instructions of Arahath Mahinda Thera.
Director General of Archaeology Prof. Anura Manatunga who commented to Lankasara emphasized that among the most important items stolen are the ancient artifacts in the shape of the Dambadiva Sanchi Stupa which was a world style stupa at that time.
However, the Director General said that the gold urn found in the warehouse, which was wrapped in a silk cloth more than 2,000 years old, had not been stolen.
The Chief Incumbent of the temple had not allowed the removal of this collection of antiquities containing rare relics and artifacts found in Daliwala Kotawehera.
The Archaeological Department and the Police have been informed about the robbery when the Chief Incumbent came to place the Buddha Pooja today. Sources from the Archaeological Department say that police are conducting investigations.
