14/02/2005

DNA tests confirm identity of tsunami baby

A Sri Lankan couple who claimed that a baby found in the aftermath of the Asian tsunami was theirs, have been proved correct by DNA tests.

Mr M.S.M. Nazeer, Registrar of the Kalmunai District Magistrate Court, revealed that DNA tests had confirmed that Mr and Mrs Jeyarajah were the parents of the four-month-old baby boy.

The baby, who the couple named Abilash, was born on October 19 at the Kalmunai Base Hospital. He had been admitted to the hospital on Boxing Day, the day of the disaster, by an elderly man.

The baby came to be known as 'Baby 81', due to the admission number he was given at the hospital.

Mr and Mrs Jeyarajah were arrested earlier this month, along with two of their supporters, following attempts to enter the hospital and take the baby.

Medical Superintendent, Dr K. Muruganandan from Kalmunai Base Hospital, is expected to bring Abilash to the District Court on Wednesday, to be reunited with his parents, hospital sources said.

(KMcA/SP)

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