Archaeologists in Sri Lanka unearth 17 golden Buddha statues

Archaeologists in Sri Lanka have discovered 17 gold-plated Buddha statues in a UNESCO World Heritage site believed to have been a temple more than 2,000 years ago.

The unique find was discovered during excavations in the wall of the Abhayagiri temple complex in the ancient capital of Anuradhapura. According to Tusita Herath, a representative of the government's Central Cultural Foundation, it is the most valuable find found in the area in more than 30 years.

She noted that experts have found ancient artifacts before, but this is the first time such a large number of statues have been found. The 17 bronze statues, covered in gold, have characteristics similar to those of artifacts from the 7th and 8th centuries and are estimated to be about 1,200-1,300 years old.

Further examination of the finds is underway. Officials plan to unveil them to the public in about a month.

The statues were found buried in various locations within the sacred city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. Following international recognition, the Central Cultural Foundation of Sri Lanka began excavations at the site.

The area is known for its integration of Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist teachings. It has attracted scholars and pilgrims from China and India for hundreds of years.