Excavation at Mannar mass grave halted

 Friday, 07 March 2014 

The excavation work at the Mannar mass grave has been suspended following a rumour that the mass grave site was an ancient burial ground.

Police Spokesperson SSP Ajith Rohana has said the decision to halt the excavation work was made following discussions held between the police, CID and the Mannar Magistrate.

He has been quoted in the media as saying that tight security will however be maintained at the location and investigations into the skeletal remains and human bones recovered from the site will continue.

He has noted that the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) is also investigating the skeletal remains and bones of 84 people recovered from the site.
Archaeological experts have meanwhile been asked to give a report on the site to determine if there was any archaeological value in the area.

The JMO meanwhile has said that they don’t expect to find more human bones at the grave.

The official has added that lab tests and investigations into the skeletal remains and human bones excavated from the site will continue.