Police arrested eleven individuals, including a monk, engaged in unauthorized excavation behind a Kitsirigama house in Tambuttegama, searching for ancient treasures.
Police seized a backhoe, tractor, and car along with the suspects.
The arrested group, aged between 47 and 17, hails from Dehiattakandia, Ridhi Ela, Damanewela in Badulla, Egodawela, and Soranathota areas.
One of the suspects is a monk at a temple in Dehiattakandiya while three 17-year-old students were among the suspects.
