• According to Harbour Police, the skeleton was discovered approximately 300 metres away from the Navy base

Discovery of the remains of a dead body in a place other than in a cemetery always leads to a mystery and a crime. With two youth uprisings- in the South and a 26 year long war in the North- Sri Lanka’s history is tainted with incidents of disappearances, unlawful killings and even mass graves. Nearly 30 mass graves related to alleged illegal killings over several decades have been found in the country since early 1990s. It was in this backdrop that a decapitated skeleton was discovered in the heart of Colombo; at the Harbour premises. This was during excavation activities at the Port Access Elevated Highway Project on Sunday (July 14). According to Harbour Police, the skeleton was discovered approximately 300 metres away from the Navy base. Police officers at the site said that the project activities have been halted and further investigations are to be conducted regarding the identity of the skeleton following a Magistrate inquiry. Security too has been tightened at the project site.

An incident fuelling speculation

Attorney-at-law Achala Seneviratne, who has been appearing for many human rights cases including the abduction of 11 youth by the Navy, said that there have been many cases of enforced disappearances during and after the armed conflict. “The case pertaining to the abduction of the 11 youth is ongoing and the discovery of skeletons from around the country could certainly affect families of victims. This case has been dragging for 17 years and no actions have been taken with regards to perpetrators of the crime. Even though we cannot draw any links between these events until investigations are concluded, it would fuel speculation among families of victims subject to enforced disappearances and even the 
public,” she added. 

A call to end impunity 

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Centre for Policy Alternatives Executive Director Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu said that all of these incidents need to be thoroughly investigated irrespective of whether a skeleton is found at the Colombo Port or a number of skeletons are being found in Mullaitivu. “There has to be a government committed to truth and accountability. Impunity has ruled us for far too long,” said Dr. Saravanamuttu. 
In response to a query on delays pertaining to investigations on persons subject to enforced disappearances Dr. Saravanamuttu said that this is why people should vote for those who are committed to transparency and accountability and that they have a chance to do so during the upcoming Presidential and General Elections.