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After months of delay by the Sri Lankan government, excavation work has recommenced at the Kokkuthoduvai mass human burial site, with three human remains thought to be of female LTTE fighters having been discovered this week.
Four other skeletal remains were also found however researchers have decided not to excavate them as of yet. So far from both phases of the work, a total of 40 human remains were found.
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The Sri Lankan government initially declined funding for research into this mass grave, but recent developments have reignited efforts to trace the history of this mass grave. The decision to resume excavation comes after prolonged delays and repeated requests for financial support. The Sri Lankan authorities were indifferent to the facts of this case, intentionally withholding funds which led to the postponement of two hearings related to the case.
Despite this setback, forensic experts, including Professor of Archaeology Raj Somadeva and Special Forensic Expert Kanakasabapathy Vasudeva, were involved in the ongoing excavation. Mullaitivu Court Judge Dharmalingam Pradeepan was present at the site during the excavation.
In September last year, excavations revealed remnants of weapons, dog tags, and uniforms worn by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres, along with a device designed to purify water, all of which have been collected as vital pieces of evidence.
It remains unclear how many bodies remain in the mass grave.
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