Families of the Disappeared Seek Resumption of Matale Mass Grave Investigation

24-Jun-2026

.

The Families of the Disappeared Association has filed a petition before the Matale Magistrate’s Court seeking the resumption of investigations into the Matale mass grave.

The petition was filed through attorneys Himali Kularatne and Lakmal Sooriyakoda. Association President Brito Fernando stated that the organisation wants legal proceedings related to the mass grave to recommence.

He also said concerns remain regarding forensic findings obtained from examinations conducted in the United States and emphasised the need to determine whether missing persons may still be alive. The association has further requested the preparation of a DNA reference database to help identify 155 sets of human remains currently under official custody.