Excavations at Colombo Port Mass Grave Resume: New Discoveries and Ongoing Challenges

Excavations at the mass grave site uncovered in the high-security zone of Colombo Port have resumed, revealing more human remains during the third phase of the excavation process. As of January 27, 2025, a team led by forensic archaeologist Professor Raj Somadeva has unearthed at least five human skeletons. Two of these were fully recovered, adding to the grim findings of the previous phases.

Professor Somadeva, an expert in mass grave excavations, explained the complexities of the process, noting that exhuming each skeleton requires meticulous recording of every bone, as the human body contains approximately 200 bones. The excavation is overseen by Judge Bandara Ilangasinghe, with medical examinations conducted by forensic doctor Sunil Hewage.

The excavations had been halted for four months, mainly due to funding issues and the political landscape, including the recent elections. However, with the necessary support, the team resumed operations on January 27. These excavations initially began in July 2024, when human skeletal remains were found during the construction of an expressway connecting Ingurukade Junction to Colombo Port.

The excavation process was temporarily paused after the first phase, which took place in September 2024. The second phase commenced at the end of the month but was again suspended shortly after. With the third phase in motion, the team is expected to continue their work for approximately 20 more days.

The site of the mass grave is located where the expressway is planned to run, and the construction workers had previously marked the section for development. Upon resuming work, the excavation team discovered several additional skeletons, requiring immediate attention. Professor Somadeva anticipates that by January 31, the required section for the road will be cleared and handed over to the construction team.

This mass grave is part of a wider investigation into clandestine burials across Sri Lanka, with multiple sites identified across various districts. However, the ongoing issue lies in the lack of resolution surrounding the legal proceedings. Despite numerous excavations, very few cases have led to the identification of victims or the prosecution of those responsible for these deaths.

According to a June 2024 report by local and international human rights organizations, there have been 20 known mass graves across 11 districts in Sri Lanka. Yet, the legal framework for handling such cases remains ineffective, as families still await answers about the fate of their loved ones.