Treasure hunters damage ancient Buddha Statue
[14 May 2001]

Treasure hunters damaged a Fourteenth century Samadhi Buddha statue over the weekend in Gadaladeniya near Kandy in central Sri Lanka.

Large holes were dug around the feet and in the eyes of the Buddha statue in the hope of finding gold and precious stones. It is a common belief that ancient rulers incorporated such valuables into these religious artefacts.

The government has initiated a Police inquiry and the Archaeological Department has begun restoration of the damaged statue.

The Gadaladeniya Temple built on a rock, where the incident occurred is located on a beautiful hilltop setting, 1km from the Kandy-Colombo road. The stone temple, influenced by Indian temple architecture, has lacquered doors, carvings and frescoes and a moonstone at the entrance to the shrine.

Gadaladeniya is also home to craftsmen who turn out ornate brassware.

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