A group of treasure hunters including a Buddhist monk were arrested by the Serunuwara police in deep jungle where they had unearthed a treasure. They had in their possession a gold Buddha image and a number of other archaeological artifacts studded with gemstones police said.

When questioned the 17 suspects said they had gone to the jungle to cut some timber for a construction in a Buddhist Temple and had found the artifacts by chance and were bringing them to be handed over to the authorities.