August 25, Colombo (LNW): Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) for Colombo, Uditha Liyanage, has been taken into custody by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over his suspected involvement in a treasure hunting operation allegedly linked to his wife.
The arrest stems from an incident reported on August 15, in which DIG Liyanage’s wife and seven others were apprehended for reportedly engaging in illegal excavation activities at a temple site in Shravasthipura, Thimbirigaskadawala, located in the Anuradhapura District. The group was arrested following a tip-off received by the Anuradhapura Police.
DIG Liyanage is expected to be presented before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident. His arrest marks a significant development in the case, raising questions about the potential abuse of authority and the involvement of high-ranking law enforcement figures in criminal activity.
The initial suspects, including Liyanage’s wife, were remanded until 26 August after being produced before the same magistrate earlier this month. Authorities have yet to disclose the specific nature of DIG Liyanage’s alleged role in the operation, though sources suggest he may have been aware of or complicit in the planning or facilitation of the excavation.
