report in The Island, July 13, 2023
During a special operation mounted in Wannimundalama lagoon area, Kalpitiya on Wednesday (12) morning the Sri Lanka Navy were able to seize about 8kg and 450g of gold which was to be smuggled via sea. The operation also led to the apprehension of 02 suspects and a dinghy used for this illegal act.

The suspects held in this operation were residents of Mandalakuda in Kalpitiya, aged 37 and 42.

The accused along with gold and the dinghy were to be handed over to Customs Preventive Office, Katunayake for onward legal proceedings. https://island.lk/navy-busts-smuggling-racket-over-08kg-of-gold-and-02-suspects-held-in-kalpitiya-lagoon/