Mannar mass grave excavations halted for three months owing to pending reports

News

Excavations at the Mannar mass grave site have been suspended for three months owing to certain reports which are yet to be received on the excavations.

A consensus to postpone the excavation activites was arrived at during a meeting held yesterday (Mar 22) which was held in attendance of the Mannar Magistrate and several key persons who were involved in the excavation process of the site.

"An archaeological report on the site will take about three months to be prepared," Special Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) Dr. Saminda Rajapaksa told Times Online adding that the report would be compiled by Professor Raj Somadewa of the Kelaniya University.

This archaeological report would assist in unearthing information pertaining to the manner in which these bone samples have been deposited.

Meanwhile, reports on the artifacts obtained from the site are yet to be received from certain entities including the Government Analysts Department, the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) and a private biscuit manufacturing company, Dr. Rajapksa said.

Further, measures such as covering the skeletal remains with soil will also be taken in order to prevent the bones from being destroyed within the next three months.

The Mannar Magistrate will announce his verdict regarding the future of the excavations during a court hearing on Monday (Mar 25).

Six bone samples of Mannar mass grave dated between 1499-1719 ; report reveals

Comments

Still No Comments Posted.

Leave Comments

Most Reviews

May 31, 2025

- 470 - 0

Flt Lt Kasun Cumaratunga , more than a pilot, a guardian remembered on his 37th death anniversary

Kasun, was born in 28th Sept 1964, the grandson of the legendary author and linguist Munidasa Cumaratunga and son of SSP Bindu Kumaratunga and Winifred

June 2, 2025

- 437 - 0

National Tax week launched

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) backed by the Excise and Customs Department today launched a fresh drive to collect taxes including some Rs.780 billion listed as ‘collectable defaults’.

June 2, 2025

- 337 - 0

SriLankan Airlines’ new A330 Fleet to perform low fly past over Colombo on Wed.

May 30, 2025

- 254 - 0

In Pix: Weather situation in Colombo

May 29, 2025

- 252 - 0

Mahindananda and Nalin Fernando Jailed

Former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and former Sathosa Chairman Nalin Fernando have sentenced to 20 and 25 years respectively after they were found guilty in a case of fraud.

June 3, 2025

- 178 - 0

Krishanthi Kumaraswami convicts FR dismissed by SC

The Supreme Court today unanimously dismissed a Fundamental Rights petition filed by five convicts in the 1996 Krishanthi Kumaraswamy abduction, rape, and murder case.