The number of skeletons recovered from the Chemmani mass grave has risen to 565, while the Government says further legal action relating to the excavations will be taken in accordance with court orders.
Responding to questions from journalists about the progress of the investigations, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that eight more skeletons and one bone fragment were recovered on Monday (17).
Accordingly, the total number of skeletons recovered so far has increased to 565, while an additional 45 bone fragments have also been found.
The Minister further stated that the current phase of excavations will continue until August 19 and that all findings will be reported to the court.
Journalists also questioned the Government regarding photographs released from the excavation site, which they said appeared to provide evidence that the victims had been killed in an extremely inhumane manner and buried without clothing.
Questions were also raised as to why authorities had not taken steps to obtain information from convicted former Lance Corporal Somaratne Rajapaksa, who has reportedly stated that he could identify locations where additional bodies may have been buried.
Responding to concerns over the pace of the investigations, Minister Jayatissa said that further action would be taken in accordance with court orders and that witnesses would be summoned at an appropriate time.
The Minister emphasized that the Government is committed to acting transparently and that all facts relating to the Chemmani site should be placed before the public.
