Chief Incumbent of Thanthirimale Rajamaha Vihara Thanthirimale Chandarathana Thera said many archaeological sites that date back to the early Anuradhapura period have been left to the mercy of the treasure hunters.

Ven. Chandarathana Thera discussed the issue with Deputy Minister of Irrigation and Water Management S.M. Chandrasena who visited the area to inspect several ancient irrigation works that had been neglected and requested him to inform the Archaeological Department to provide adequate protection to the archaeological sites. Ven Tehra said the people fled from the area leaving their villagers, tanks and reservoirs and the archaeological sites to the mercy of the terrorists during the years of the military conflict.

He pointed out that archaeological remains of ancient buildings, inscriptions, statues, and masterpieces of sculpture that dates back to the Anuradhapura period had been destroyed by treasure hunters. Minister Chandrasena who was surprised at the on-going wanton destruction of archaeological remains promised to take up the issue with the relevant authorities soon.