Eight people including two women who had allegedly engaged in excavation in the Rattota Kandenuwara area in search of artefacts were arrested last morning. Among the male suspects was a 65-year-old British national residing in Dehiwela while the other suspects were from Wellampitiya, Gothatuwa and Norwood areas.

Police seized the van they had travelled in and other equipment used for the excavation purpose.

The suspects would be produced before the Matale Magistrate today.