Treasure hunters blow up part of ancient rock near Sigiriya

Police have launched an investigation to arrest suspected treasure hunters responsible for damaging an ancient rock near Sigiriya and Pidurangala. 

Police stated that the treasure hunters had allegedly blown up part of the historic 'Andagala' rock on Monday (6). The rock is situated in close proximity to Sigiriya and Pindurangala and also contains archaeological ruins. 

Area residents refer to the rock as 'Andagala' owing to an ancient rock carving of a bed inside a cave there.  

Archeaological officers in the area had informed police of the crime after being alerted by area residents. Police investigating the incident have arrested a farmer working in the nearby fields on suspicion. They say investigations thus far have revealed that a group of persons had camped at the location over several days and blown up parts of the rock by drilling holes into it and placing explosives inside. 

The suspected treasure hunters had used sacks filled with sand to muffle the sound of explosions from the rock, police added. 

Text and Pix by Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa