A Sri Lankan who attempted to smuggle three gold pieces worth nearly Rs.22 million to Chennai was arrested at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) early this morning, Customs spokesman Leslie Gamini said.

Mr. Gamini said the gold pieces weighing about 4 kilograms had been concealed inside a machinery part wrapped with carbon papers.
 
The suspect was identified as a 58-year-old person from Bambalapitiya area and he was a frequent Chennai traveler, Mr. Gamini said.

 Mr. Gamini said the suspect had told the customs officers that he was going to Chennai to repair the machinery part which is not identified yet. (Chaturanga Pradeep)