Colombo, Sri Lanka – On August 13, 2024, human bones were accidentally discovered during excavation work for the highway connecting Igurukade Junction and the Colombo Port. Following the discovery, the Colombo Extra Line Magistrate ordered an official excavation of the site, which commenced on September 5, 2024.
During the initial phase of excavation, which lasted approximately a week, four sets of human remains were uncovered. However, the work was temporarily halted on September 14, 2024.
The second phase of excavation began on January 27, 2025, but had to be suspended the following day due to insufficient funding. By the conclusion of this phase, media reports confirmed that eight sets of human bones had been unearthed.
Currently, the third phase of excavation is underway. Professor Raj Somadeva, a leading forensic archaeologist supervising the work, stated that, based on current recommendations, the excavation is expected to be completed within 20 days.
Authorities and researchers are continuing their efforts to uncover and analyze the findings, which could provide critical insights into the origin and history of the remains.