Sri Lanka, May 12 -- The Chief Incumbent of Waskaduwe Sri Subhuthi Viharaya, Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Maha Nayaka Thero, states that he intends to contact the family attempting to auction relics found at India's Piprahwa Temple, and to halt the auction.

He mentioned sending letters to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Archaeological Survey of India upon learning about the auction.

The auction of these relics and other valuable ancient gems was scheduled for May 7 by Sotheby's, with a starting bid of HKD 100 million.

The auction was suspended after India threatened legal action.

The Maha Nayaka Thero has expressed his gratitude to the Indian authorities for their swift action in suspending this auction.

The anci...