News and events

Colombo Port mass grave yields over 100 skeletons as excavation concludes

2025-10-16

Colombo Excavations at the Colombo Port mass grave have officially concluded, with Sri Lankan authorities confirming the recovery of over 100 human skeletons. The grave was discovered in July 2024 during construction in a highsecurity zone near the port.

On 13 October 2025, the Colombo Magistrates Court was informed that at least 106 skeletal remains had been recovered. The excavation was led by Judicial Medical Officer Dr Sunil Hewage and forensic archaeologist Prof. Raj Somadeva. The remains are in police custody and will undergo medical and forensic analysis under court supervision.

The formal excavation began in September 2024 under a court order from Additional Magistrate Bandara Ilangasinghe and continued for more than a year. At the latest hearing, attorney Woshan Herath, representing families of the disappeared, called for a coordinated discussion on the next steps. The case was adjourned to 28 November 2025.

This is now the fourthlargest mass grave found in Sri Lanka and has reignited urgent calls from victim communities for truth, justice, and international accountability.