Mannar mass grave report reveals: Bone samples belong to 1499-1719 AD era

• Mannar Magistrate directed that the carbon test report be released to the public domain

By Sithum Chathuranga and Romesh Madusanka

The Carbon dating report from the Beta Analytic Institute of Florida, USA has revealed that the skeletal remains found in the Mannar mass grave dates back to a period between  1499 and 1719 AD (Anno Domini).   

However, the analysts are of the opinion that it was impossible to determine the specific time period.  

Skeletal remains of 325 bodies were recovered during the investigation carried out for 155 days. Skeletal remains of 318 bodies have so far been unearthed including those of 29 children  
Six samples of skeletal remains were sent to the laboratory in Florida for carbon testing on January 23, 2019.   

The investigations on the mass grave commenced after recovering a few skeletal remains following the demolishing of the old CWE building in Mannar.   

Meanwhile, Mannar Magistrate T. Sarawanaraja yesterday directed that the carbon test report received on the skeletal remains from USA be released to the public domain.   

Earlier, Mannar Magistrate T. Swarnarajah said he was unable to reveal the contents of the report submitted by the JMO on the findings of the Mannar mass grave, until the Beta Analytic Institute of Florida directly provides in writing about the Carbon dating report on the time frame to the courts.