Treasure hunters in Sri Lanka prefer Buddha statues

Investigations have revealed valuable Buddha statues are mostly vandalised by treasure hunters in pursuit of artefacts with archaeological value. 

[Credit: Hemant Buch]

Dean of the Faculty of History and Archaeology and Project Director of Abhayagiri Project in Anuradhapura Prof. T.G. Kulatunga admits that Buddha statues are the most common archaeological artefacts that have undergone destruction at the hands of treasure hunters. 

He has pointed out that in many of the statues; chest and abdominal areas have been destroyed while seeking treasure. 

“The Buddha’s greatest treasure is his unbound kindness which no one can steal,” Kulatunga said addressing a seminar held in Segiriya Central School on 2 April. 

The seminar was organized by the National Heritage Ministry and Archaeology Department to educate school children and the public on the importance of preserving archaeological finds and sites. 

The professor said there could be non-Buddhist elements behind the destruction of statutes. Charles Godakumbure, a former Archaeology Commissioner has described such vandals as Kapalawas as he was greatly disturbed by these acts of vandalism. 

The professor further said; “We have among us pseudo-devotees who pretend to meditate under a tree in some of our ancient archeologically important sites. These crooks even knock on ancient statues and listen to sounds emanating to judge whether treasures are lying within. “Luckily, careful observation of our true devotees has made it impossible for them to carry out their destructive activities. We had a great cultural heritage. But some people are trying to destroy it. We should do everything to preserve our cultural heritage,” he said. 

Source: Ceylon Today [April 07, 2012]