Two metal statues of great historical significance have been stolen from the Anuradhapura Sama Viharaya. A statue of the Dedimunda deity and a Saraswati Devi Statue have been stolen, said the Chief Incumbent of the Vihara, Mahawilachchiye Wimala Thera.
The Thera said that he had returned to the temple last night, after attending a religious ceremony in Galle, when he notices that both statues were missing.
A complaint has been filed with the Anuradhapura Police regarding the theft while investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile it has been reported that thieves have broken into the Seenigama Temple in Hikkaduwa and stolen a gunny filled with cash, estimated at Rs 500,000.
Mitiyagoda and Elpitiya police stations are investigation the robbery which occurred last night when thieves had entered the room where money is stored by removing tiles from the roof and making a hole in the ceiling, police sources said.
Police suspect that the robbery was planned by persons who know about the room where the cash is stored and the temple in general.
It is also reported that the robbery had taken place just two months after a new caretaker was appointed for the temple, dedicated to the Devol Deviyo.
