JVP concerned over military presence

12 April 2013 02:22 am

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leader Somawansa Amarasinghe yesterday complained to Police Chief N.K. Ilangakoon about the alleged military patrol near the Matale mass grave on Wednesday night. 
 
In his letter, Mr. Amarasinghe said uniformed military personnel had moved around the grave around 9.30 pm on Wednesday. He said the discovery of the grave that dated back to the period between 1987 and 1989 had become a serious issue subjected to judicial process.  

“We believe the judicial process should continue without any complication,” he said. 
 
According to initial investigations, the skeletal remains of 154 persons were found in the grave. The JVP believes that their members who went missing during that the insurrection led by them had been buried here. Also, it was confirmed that these persons were tortured and executed.  

Archaeologist Raj Somadeva also found through his investigations that the grave dated back to the 1986/1989 period.  Besides, the judicial medical officer also made the same conclusion.  It was informed to court by Magistrate Chaturika de Silva.( Kelum Bandara)