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JVP breakaway FSP takes up mass grave found within Colombo Port premises

Published

5 months ago

2025/11/29

JVP-splinter Frontline Socialist Party-led People’s Struggle Alliance has called for an urgent and wide-ranging investigation into what is believed to be a mass grave uncovered during ongoing excavation work within the Colombo Port premises, where officials have already identified skeletal remains belonging to at least 88 individuals.

The members of the Alliance visited the Ministry of Justice last Monday seeking official information regarding the discovery, which has reignited longstanding concerns over the country’s history of enforced disappearances and political violence.

Addressing reporters, Attorney-at-Law cum FSP’s candidate at the last presidential election, Nuwan Bopage, said that evidence emerging from the site strongly suggests the presence of mass graves and underscored the need for full transparency in the excavation process.

Bopage accused successive governments of exploiting such discoveries for political gain during election periods, only for the momentum to dissipate once polls conclude.

“There is a recurring pattern where attention spikes during elections, but no concrete action follows,” he said.

Bopage added that Sri Lanka’s long and turbulent history, including the 1971 and 1988–89 insurrections, had seen widespread abductions, extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances. Referring to the latest discovery, Bopage questioned the identity of the victims, the circumstances of their deaths, and who should be held accountable. “Justice cannot be buried along with the victims,” he stressed.

Alliance members also voiced suspicion that the remains may correspond to individuals who disappeared during previous uprisings, including members of the JVP.

The suspected mass grave at the Colombo Port was first unearthed in July 2024, when a private construction company digging six feet below ground for the Port City Expressway project encountered human remains near the Old Secretariat building in Colombo Fort.

Excavations officially commenced on 05 September, 2024. under the direction of the Chief Magistrate of Colombo, with oversight from Additional Magistrate Kasun Kanchana Dissanayake. Senior archaeologist Prof. Raj Somadeva has been supervising the scientific aspects of the dig.

Judicial Medical Officers, archaeologists, and representatives from the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) have been involved in the process, after the Magistrate empowered the OMP to assist in investigating the potential mass graves.

Police confirmed that a second phase of excavations took place on 26–28 September, after which the recovered skeletons were transferred to the Colombo (North) Crimes Unit laboratory for analysis and kept under police protection. Officials have confirmed that several more skeletons continue to emerge, prompting the need for further excavation.

When work resumed in January, 2025, forensic archaeologists warned that many more skeletons were likely present at the site. However, within days, the dig was halted once again due to a lack of government funding. Human remains were left submerged in muddy water, and journalists documented the absence of even basic protective covering over the exposed bone material.

Forensic experts have repeatedly warned that Sri Lanka’s mass grave sites require uninterrupted excavation and scientific preservation to protect crucial evidence.

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara recently said that Sri Lanka has now recorded 17 mass grave sites across the country, many of which remain only partially investigated.

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Russian circumnavigation team arrive in Sri Lanka

Published

13 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

The Russian circumnavigation team, the 5 Oceans Club, made a brief stop in Sri Lanka as part of their second global sailing expedition.

The six-member crew, visited the Russian House in Colombo, on Friday, (24th April) where they shared insights from their journey.

What makes this expedition particularly inspiring is the club’s commitment to inclusivity. They actively encourage children with limb disabilities to experience the ocean and participate in sailing as equals, fostering confidence and a deep connection with nature.

The team also spoke about a specialized sailing school based in Siberia—one of Russia’s most picturesque regions—where children with such challenges are trained and introduced to maritime life. During the session, they offered a glimpse into their daily life aboard the yacht and highlighted how they integrate elements of science into their explorations, making their journey both adventurous and educational.

The crew consists of, Dmitry Kuznetsov – (captain of the boat of the 5 Oceans Club), ⁠Vladimir Dudkin – (crew member), ⁠Dmitry Dudkin –(cabin boy), ⁠Ksenia Kuznetsova – (cabin boy), ⁠Natalia Shahinyan – (founder of the charity foundation “Life on the Move”), ⁠Sofia Sheremet -(ward of the foundation)

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

19 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 25 April 2026, valid for 26 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-744649

News

Sagarika derailment disrupts coastal rail line; services to resume in two days

Published

20 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya said on Friday that re-railing operations of the derailed ‘Sagarika’ train have already commenced and that services on the Coastal Line are expected to be restored within two days.

Addressing the media, he said the Minister had instructed officials to take all necessary measures to minimise inconvenience to passengers.

Commenting on the incident, he said: “The damaged train is a significant loss for us, especially as our fleet is already limited. We have incurred this loss and hope to rectify the situation promptly. However, we will need to deploy an alternative train in its place, and discussions are currently underway.”

The ‘Sagarika’ train, operating from Beliatta to Maradana, derailed near the Wadduwa Railway Station on Friday morning (24), causing severe damage to one track of the dual-line section.

The Railway Department has since restricted services on the affected Coastal Line up to Panadura Railway Station.

Arrangements have been made to transport passengers from Panadura to South Kalutara by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses, from where train services will resume towards Matara and Beliatta.

Meanwhile, the Department said efforts are underway to clear the obstruction and restore at least one track by the end of the day.