Mannar Mass Grave: OMP may opt for more tests

The Office on Missing Persons says it is prepared to initiate further investigation and tests on the bone samples uncovered from the Mannar mass grave to determine the time frame of the deaths.

The Carbon Dating Test report, on the bone samples uncovered from the Mannar mass grave was released last week by an institute in Florida, United States, which was commissioned to assess the samples.Speaking to NewsRadio, Judicial Medical Officer in charge of the Mannar mass grave Shaminda Rajapaksa said he received the report last week and a copy of the report will be presented before Courts on Wednesday.

Speaking to NewsRadio OMP Chairman President Counsel Saliya Pieris said he will initiate further action including DNA tests, following the submission of the report in Courts.

The remains were sent to an institute in Florida on the 23rd of January for Carbon Dating tests to determine the timeframe of the deaths.A total of 321 full skeletal remains have been uncovered thus far from the mass grave at the location of a former Sathosa building in Mannar.

The JMO also stated that no evidence has been found to suggest the mass grave was a cemetery.A court ordered detailed excavations at the site after human remains were found by workers digging foundations for a new building last year.

The Office of Missing Persons also provided partial funding for the excavation in Mannar.

Courtesy : NEWSRADIO