Excavation at Mannar mass grave halted temporarily

Will recommence on November 27 229 were complete human skeletal remains; 18 children

The excavation work at the mass grave which was stopped yesterday would recommence on November 27, JMO Dr Shaminda Rajapakse said.

The excavation at the Sathosa construction site in Mannar was halted temporarily yesterday (14).

Dr Shaminda Rajapakse is conducting the investigations.

During the 105 days of excavations, 235 skeletal remains of humans were found. Out of 235 bodies exhumed, 229 were complete human skeletal remains.

They were taken under his charge and now kept in a special cell at the Mannar Court Complex.“18 have been identified as those of children,” Dr Rajapakse said.

Dr Rajapakse said that the involvement of the staff engaged in the excavation, in court cases and other official duties had led to the temporary stoppage of the excavation work.

When the old Sathosa building was demolished and the debris was transported to Emil Nagar, Mannar, human skeletal remains were found buried in the debris on March 26.

Investigations into the mass grave commenced following the discovery.

The Mannar Police, who conducted an investigation at the site afterwards, had reported the matter to the Mannar Magistrate’s Court and on the orders of the court excavations at this site began.