Biological samples collected from Vanni mass grave to help identify the disappeared
Forensic experts have started collecting biological samples from newly exhumed skeletal remains in the Kokkuthoduvai mass grave in order to identify whether they belong to the forcibly disappeared at the end of Sri Lanka’s war and its aftermath. Excavations of the mass grave currently underway have unearthed 45 human skeletons so far.
Mullaitivu District Hospital’s Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) Dr. Kanagasabapathi Vasudeva has revealed that teeth have been extracted from skeletons found after excavations resumed in the first week of July, and that they have been stored in a manner that is suitable for DNA tests.
On 12 July, journalists had inquired from the JMO as to whether any skeletal remains found during the first and second phases of excavations had been sent for DNA tests. This is following experts saying that teeth found during the third phase of excavations would be sent for DNA tests.
Explaining the situation further, Dr. Vasudeva revealed it was not possible to obtain samples that are suitable for DNA tests earlier since initial excavation work was not conducted in a methodical manner,.
“The first and second phases of excavations were conducted using machinery, and as a result, some skeletal remains have been exposed to the elements. They were therefore not sent for DNA tests claiming that they were not in good condition. When skeletons were inspected, the samples that we had obtained were not inspected. They have been stored for the time being.”
The JMO had told journalists that if the relatives of the disappeared suspect that bodies buried in the mass grave are of their loved ones and request examinations, DNA tests can be conducted to ascertain it.
“If the relatives of the disappeared suspect that it is their relatives that have been buried (in the mass grave), their blood samples will be obtained and compared with this DNA data.”
On 11 July, forensic archaeologist Prof. Raj Somadeva, who is in charge of the excavations confirmed that the investigation team has started collecting biological samples necessary to identify the loved ones of the relatives of the disappeared. He added that this process began in the third phase of excavations. He had pointed out that a scientific investigation can be conducted to ascertain the real age of skeletons only after obtaining a court order.
“At the same time, the Magistrate has informed that several affidavits have been submitted requesting that the disappeared be identified. Therefore, we have taken steps to obtain a few samples in a manner that can be used in any future genetic tests. We have planned to obtain a sample from every skeleton that we find during the third phase,” Prof. Somadeva told Tamil journalists in Vanni.
45 human skeletons
The excavation work of the mass grave, accidentally found in the Vanni area a year ago, was resumed on 4 July, 2024. On the eighth day of the excavations (12 July 2024), skeletons belonging to two more persons had been found. Three more skeletons had been found on the previous day.
Following the conclusion of excavations on 12 July, 2024, Dr. Vasudeva, who leads the exhumation, said that skeletal remains belonging to 45 persons had been unearthed from the Kokkuthoduvai mass grave.
According to the chief forensic archaeologist at the site, during the excavations conducted from 4 t0 12 July, 2024, a bullet, two pieces of wire, and pieces of clothing similar to a camouflage suit had also been found. In response to a question by journalists as to whether a radiocarbon dating test would be conducted to determine the age of the Kokkuthoduvai mass grave, on 12 July, 2024, Dr. Vasudeva said that there is no need to conduct such a test.
“Generally, such tests are conducted on ancient skeletons when it is impossible to determine their age. Since we have identified that this has occurred in the recent past, I think there is no need to conduct such a test.”
On 11 July, 2024, Prof. Somadeva had told journalists that he had not received any directives to collect samples for a radiocarbon dating test aimed at determining the age of the Kokkuthoduvai mass grave.
The 35-page interim report submitted by Prof. Somadeva to the Mullaitivu Court several months ago concluded that the bodies found in the Kokkuthoduvai mass grave had been buried in the 1994-1996 period, when former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga ruled the country.
Prof. Somadeva’s report further said that the deceased had met with an armed conflict before their death.
On 11 July, Tamil National Peoples Front (TNPF) parliamentarian Selvarasa Kajendran told parliament that Kokkuthoduvai mass grave site area was under total control of the Sri Lanka military from 1984 to 2012 and the commander during 1995-1996 was Lt. Col. Rohitha Wickremetileka of Gemunu watch.
On 12 July, US Embassy’s Political Officer Matthew Hinson and UN Colombo Office’s Human Rights Officer Ludiyana Shelrine Ahilan had visited the mass grave site to observe the excavations.
