GOVERNMENT SHOULD MINE TREASURES

The government should get involved in mining for treasures; otherwise the thieves will get them.

- Antiques Chakrawarthi Ellawala Medhananda Thera

In an interview to ‘Mawbima’ newspaper, Antiques Chakrawarthi Ellawala Medhananda Thera of the National Heritage party stated that the government should get involved in mining for treasures hidden under the earth because if not the thieves will get hold of them. His ideas about it are as below:
 
“What I am saying is that treasures which belong to our nation should be protected. Treasures are unique and valuable resources which are hidden under the earth and they are not sacred things. If there are gems and gold hidden under the earth, the government should make an announcement and mine them so that they can be added to the income of the government.”

Are you (Thera)  says that it is right and justifiable to mine these treasures?

“If someone digs them secretively, that is wrong and they should be punished by the law. But the government has the right to the treasures which are hidden under the earth. Therefore, I suggest that it is better if the government can inform the public about them and if they can mine them to take them under the care of the government.
When the government does not do that, then the thieves tend to grab them.  Treasures are resources like gold and gems”