Police have arrested 14 suspects in connection with the theft of a priceless antique Buddha statue from the Kahapathwala Kebilithigoda Purana Rajamaha Viharaya, authorities confirmed Saturday.
The suspects, aged between 22 and 56, were apprehended on January 31 following a swift investigation by the Mawatagama Police. Officials also recovered the stolen statue and seized two vans allegedly used in the commission of the crime.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on the night of January 28, 2026. Four individuals arrived at the temple’s residential quarters (Awasa Ge) posing as officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The imposters informed the resident monks that the 1.5-foot gold-colored Buddha statue was required for an official investigation. Trusting the suspects’ claims, the monks handed over the artifact, which the group then took and fled the premises.
Following the report of the theft, Mawatagama Police launched an extensive probe, leading to the arrest of over a dozen individuals across several regions, including:
* Negombo and Matale
* Teldeniya and Ridigama
* Monaragala and Matugama
The 14 suspects were produced before the Pillessa Magistrate’s Court on January 31. The Magistrate ordered them to be remanded in custody until February 13, 2026, pending further legal proceedings.
Mawatagama Police are continuing their investigations to determine if the group is linked to other organized antique thefts across the country. (Newswire)