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

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).

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