The Hingurakgoda Magistrate’s Court on July 21 ordered five suspects—including the son of a former Minister—to be remanded in custody until August 4 for illegally excavating a plot of land in the Yakawanguwa area of Aluth Oya, Habarana, in search of treasure.
The suspects were arrested during a sudden raid conducted on the night of July 20 by officers attached to the Gal Oya Police Post in Hathareskotuwa, Habarana.
According to police, the suspects were conducting rituals led by a traditional exorcist (Yakadura) and had dug a hole approximately ten feet deep in search of a gem treasure at the time of the raid.
Police also seized several excavation tools along with a Toyota car used by the former Minister’s son, which was later released.
Reports reveal that the former minister’s son arrested in connection with the treasure hunt is the son of the late former Minister M.K.A.D.S. Gunawardena.
