Day 3: No human remains or artefacts found in suspected Kurukkalmadam mass grave site

Excavation activities have been ongoing for the last three days, since March 30, at the suspected Kurrukalmadam mass grave site.  

Over three days of excavation, at a specific location at the suspected mass grave site of Kurukkalmadam, Batticalao, no human remains or artefacts were located, the Office of Missing Persons said. Therefore, the pit was closed. 

Excavations at a suspected grave site in Kurukkalmadam, Batticaloa (Case No. B/172/2014), commenced on March 30 under the supervision of the Magistrate, D. Pradeepan, Magistrate’s Court of Kaluwanchikudy. 

The sandy soil and the presence of water made it technically difficult to excavate but using archaeological excavation techniques the location was investigated. The technical team comprises Judicial Medical Officers (JMOs) with expertise in forensic anthropology, appointed by the Chief Judicial Medical Officer of Colombo, alongside officials from the Department of Archaeology and Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO). The team is further supported by the Sri Lanka Police.

Officials of the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) are observing this case and were present during the three-day excavation. Lawyers representative the complainants are also in attendance. On the first day of excavations over 50 family members of missing persons who believe their loved ones may be buried at the site were also present, and families continued to visit the site over the following days.

The excavations were initiated following an order issued on 25 August 2025 by the former Magistrate, Mr. J. B. A. Ranjithkumar, pursuant to Article 12(d) of the Office on Missing Persons (Establishment, Administration and Discharge of Functions) Act, No. 14 of 2016. This provision empowers the OMP to apply to a Magistrate’s Court for authorization to initiate excavations and exhumations at suspected grave site. 

The investigation team drew up a budget for seven days of excavation which was submitted to the Court, and the required funds were made available by the Ministry of Justice.

The Kurukkalmadam site was identified based on a complaint received in 2014. Specific

locations within the site were subsequently indicated by a witness, and in 2015, the Court facilitated ground-penetrating radar examinations of these spots. The excavations were based on these findings. Investigations will continue to identify potential locations at the site.