An archaeological team has uncovered a mass grave containing the remains of 16 individuals at a site near Colombo Port, with two of the skeletons belonging to young children. Professor Raj Somadeva, the lead archaeologist, confirmed the discovery and noted the unusual nature of the burial, suggesting the bodies were not laid to rest in a typical burial manner but were likely victims of murder.
Professor Somadeva highlighted the importance of further scientific analysis to determine the exact timeline of these events. The investigation is being conducted in accordance with court instructions, and reports are expected to follow. “This is not a regular burial ground,” Somadeva explained, indicating that the method of burial is consistent with intentional violence rather than natural death.
So far, 13 skeletons have been positively identified, and several additional fragments have been uncovered, which could provide further insights into the identities of the deceased. Additionally, three more skeletons are expected to be identified in the coming days, which may shed more light on the full scope of the mass grave.
One of the most notable findings involves a small child’s hand, which was marked by a stain from a substance believed to be a mix of copper melting, raising questions about the circumstances of the burial.
