Professor Raj Somadeva, Senior Archaeologist in charge of the excavation of the mass grave, said that the excavation work in the Mulathivu Kokkuthuduwai mass grave was temporarily stopped from the evening of the 15th. (Sri Lanka Latest News)
He also mentioned that after analyzing the evidence and other materials brought up through the excavations and reporting the facts to the Mullaitivu Magistrate’s Court, further action will be taken according to the decisions given by the court.
The senior professor also stated that there is still a situation where it is not possible to make a definite decision regarding the things that have been brought up through the excavations.
An amount of 57 lakh rupees has been spent for the nine days of excavation work, and a financial problem has also arisen to continue the excavation work.
So far, during the excavation work carried out in the mass grave, skeletons of 17 female LTTE soldiers and one suspected LTTE member have been found.
Apart from that, pieces of official uniforms, pieces of women’s clothes, an old pistol, parts of five firearms, two vials suspected to be cyanide capsules, two identification number plates (dog tags) and many other items and equipment were found.
Due to the fact that time is needed to carry out formal documentation and preliminary investigation of the things found in this way, the fact that money has arisen has caused the excavation work of the mass grave to be temporarily stopped.
According to Mullaitivu Hospital Specialist Forensic Officer Kanakasabhapathi Vasudeva, the recovered bone parts have been placed in a special chamber established at Mullativu Hospital for examination under the orders of the Mullativu Magistrate.
Excavation officials further said that the excavations uncovered nests of bones located on top of each other, and it is observed that the found bone nests were placed in the pit informally, and it is possible to see that the bodies were buried in the pit without systematic like the burial of bodies in a public burial ground.
Under the supervision of Mullathivu Magistrate Dharmalingam Pradeepan, a team headed by senior professor of archaeology Raj Somadeva excavated the mass grave.
Kokilai Police Officers, Police Special Task Force Explosive Disposal Division, Archaeological Officers, Police Crime Scene Investigation Officers and many other teams have supported the excavation work.
source : Lankasara
