Two human skeletons without skulls have been unearthed over the past two days at the Chemmani mass grave in Jaffna, as the total number of bodies identified at the site rose to 539 by Tuesday (11).
The two skeletons were among 15 newly unearthed sets of human remains at what has been described as Sri Lanka’s largest documented mass grave.
Excavations led by archaeologist Prof. Raj Somadeva and Judicial Medical Officer Dr. Selliah Piranavan have so far resulted in the recovery of 524 sets of human remains.
Two skeletons have also been discovered during excavations conducted further away from the previously demarcated grave site, raising concerns that the extent of the site could expand beyond the area initially identified.
Attorney-at-Law Ranitha Gnanarajah, who is observing the excavations on behalf of victims’ families, said the remains of five infants were among those identified during Tuesday’s excavation work.
The latest discoveries come after the number of bodies identified at the Chemmani Sittupaththi mass grave surpassed 500 on the 100th day of excavations.
Investigations and excavation work at the site are continuing. (Newswire)