Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Colombo District, Uditha Liyanage, has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with an ongoing investigation involving an illegal treasure-hunting operation in Thibirikadawala, Sravastipura.
The arrest follows a separate incident earlier this month, in which eight individuals, including DIG Liyanage’s wife, were taken into custody by the Anuradhapura Police. The group was allegedly caught digging for treasure on land near the historic Ratrang Devalaya temple in Thibirikadawala.
They were arrested on August 13, after authorities received a tip-off about unauthorized excavation activities in the temple vicinity.
What drew further attention to the case was a report indicating that a senior police officer—later identified as DIG Liyanage—had allegedly attempted to pressure officers involved in the raid by calling them and urging the release of the suspects, including his wife.
In light of these allegations, Anuradhapura Acting Magistrate Chandana Weerakoon ordered all telecommunications providers to submit detailed call records and analysis reports related to the suspects’ phone numbers.
Following the arrest, CID officials stated that further inquiries will focus on the alleged abuse of power and any potential misconduct by the DIG during the course of the investigation.
DIG Uditha Liyanage is expected to be produced before court.
