A resident of Panliyada, Kurunegala, was fined Rs. 60,000 by Kurunegala Chief Magistrate Bandula Gunaratne after admitting to charges of unauthorized excavation in his garden. The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, was arrested by the Melsiripura Police while attempting to dig for what he believed was a hidden treasure.
The suspect had been excavating his private property under the belief that a treasure—similar to the rumored Veyangoda treasure—lay buried beneath his land. Despite holding legitimate freehold deeds for the property, his actions were deemed unauthorized by the Department of Archaeology.
Upon investigation, the Department confirmed that the land in question did not have any historical or archaeological significance. However, they noted that the excavation appeared to have been motivated by the desire to uncover a hidden treasure, a practice steeped in folklore and local superstition.
Representing the accused, Senior Attorney Keerthi Dunusinghe argued that his client had acted out of a genuine belief that his good fortune or merit might lead him to uncover a valuable treasure on his property. Dunusinghe highlighted that treasure hunting, while now strictly regulated, was once a common and culturally significant activity.
He also drew attention to a recent high-profile treasure excavation in the Wandurawa area of Veyangoda, where government officials and a powerful minister, Sunil Handunnetti, were allegedly involved in overseeing the operation. This, he suggested, may have further encouraged his client to believe that such activities could be carried out lawfully or in good faith.
Attorney Dunusinghe pointed out that laws regulating treasure hunting and unauthorized excavations were tightened significantly in 1998. However, he emphasized that these incidents are often motivated by folklore and local beliefs, which can lead individuals to mistakenly believe they are acting within acceptable limits.
“Treasure discoveries, when made, benefit the government and the nation,” Dunusinghe stated. He argued that his client’s intentions were not criminal but rather driven by cultural myths and the hope of discovering something valuable.
Officers from the Melsiripura Police Station represented the complainant in court, presenting evidence of the unauthorized digging. While the excavation was determined to have no archaeological impact, the court ruled that the act of unauthorized digging itself warranted legal action.
The suspect’s guilty plea to unauthorized excavation led to the imposition of the fine, avoiding a more severe punishment such as imprisonment. The court has also ordered the suspect to cease any further excavation activities on his property without proper authorization from relevant authorities.
The case sheds light on a broader issue in rural Sri Lanka, where myths about hidden treasures continue to fuel unauthorized excavations. Stories of buried treasures dating back to ancient kingdoms and colonial eras often circulate in local communities, leading many to believe that valuable artifacts or riches may lie beneath their own land.
Despite the risks of legal repercussions, such treasure hunts remain a fascination for many, often driven by desperation or the hope of a better future.
While the suspect in this case avoided jail time, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to legal protocols regarding land excavation. The Department of Archaeology continues to warn the public against unauthorized digging, emphasizing that all such activities must be reported and carried out under government supervision to protect the nation’s historical and cultural heritage.
