• 52 skeletal remains stored at Mullaitivu Hosp. 

The third phase of the excavations at the Kokkuthuduvai mass grave in Mullaitivu has concluded, revealing 12 additional human body parts, said the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) of Mullaitivu, Dr. Kanagasabapathy Vasudeva.

Making a statement to the media, he confirmed that the total number of skeletal remains excavated from the site now stands at 52, adding that these remains have been securely stored at the Mullaitivu District General Hospital following orders from the Mullaitivu Magistrate Dharmalingam Pradeepan.

However, when contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (16) regarding the next steps, a senior officer from the Mullaitivu Police Station stated: “further actions will be taken by the Judiciary after examining the findings.”

The excavation work, led by archaeologist Prof. Raj Somadeva was conducted with the assistance of the Mullaitivu Police. This discovery follows an incident in 2023 when a group of workers, while plumbing in the Kokkuthuduvai area, stumbled upon a set of clothing resembling military uniforms from the internal conflict period, along with some skeletal parts. This prompted further excavation at the site. The findings from the Kokkuthuduvai mass grave have sparked significant interest and concern. The excavations are part of an ongoing effort to uncover and identify the remains of individuals who may have died during the internal conflict. 

Several attempts made to contact Prof. Somadeva proved futile.