August 21, Colombo (LNW): Ongoing excavations at a mass burial site uncovered within the Colombo Port premises have led to the discovery of skeletal remains believed to belong to at least 88 individuals, officials have revealed.
The site, which came to light in July 2024 during groundwork for an elevated expressway project, has quickly drawn national and international attention due to its scale and historical significance.
The excavation is being conducted under the close supervision of Colombo Additional Magistrate Kasun Kanchana Disanayake, with forensic and archaeological support led by Senior Professor Raj Somadeva.
The process is being handled with considerable care to ensure the preservation of evidence and to assist in any future identification efforts or legal proceedings.
Though the full context of the grave is still under investigation, its discovery has prompted fresh scrutiny of Sri Lanka’s past, particularly in light of the island’s history of conflict and political unrest.
Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, commenting on the broader context, confirmed that this site brings the number of officially recorded mass graves in the country to 17.
