The release of artifacts of the Mannar mass grave to prepare a forensic archaeological report by Prof.Raj Somadeva, has been postponed to September 2.
The Mannar Magistrate ordered the archeological report in March to determine whether excavations at the mass grave site should be continued. The report was supposed to be released by June 30.
However, due to practical reasons, the release of the artifacts were delayed till June 27.
“We had to examine about 100 boxes to identify the artifacts needed for our report,” Prof.Somadeva said adding that due to a legal issue the release of the artifacts were re-scheduled from June 27 to September 2. The Archeologists team has also sought legal advice from the Attorney General’s Department on this matter.
“We need 2-3 days to finish sorting the artifacts which takes place in the presence of the Mannar Magistrate, while the police would need more time to transport it under protection to Colombo,” he said.
Prof.Somadeva said he was hopeful the report that will contain a site history - whether it is a formal burial ground or otherwise, cultural representation, and suggest a relative time frame - can be released by November.
The report was ordered by the Mannar Magistrate after the results of radiocarbon dating from the Florida-based Beta Analytic Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory were found to be questionable with the six bone samples being given dates varying between 300 or more years.
After the conclusive report by Prof.Somadeva and his team, the Magistrate is expected to make a ruling for re-excavation or closure. The grave currently remains temporarily covered with polythene and a 20 cm sand layer.