By Dinasena Rathugamage
The number of human skeletons uncovered from the Chemmani Sitthupattu mass grave in Ariyalai, Jaffna, has risen to 101, with the discovery of 11 additional skeletons on July 26. The latest finding deepens ongoing concerns over past human rights violations and enforced disappearances in the region during Sri Lanka’s civil conflict.
Excavation teams also discovered a coffin at the site on the same day. Since the grave is located within the premises of a known cemetery, officials believe the coffin may be from a conventional burial, possibly one that occurred just outside the designated cemetery boundaries.
To facilitate the ongoing forensic work, the excavation site has been divided into two sections — Chemmani Site No. 1 and Site No. 2 — based on a directive issued by the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court. The excavation is being conducted under the close supervision of Jaffna Magistrate A. A. Anandaraja, with assistance from forensic experts, archaeologists, and law enforcement officials.
The initial excavation in 1999
The Chemmani mass grave site gained national and international attention in the late 1990s after reports emerged that it may hold the remains of Tamil youths who allegedly disappeared while in the custody of security forces during the height of the armed conflict in the northern Jaffna Peninsula. The claims were initially made by a Sri Lankan soldier in custody, who stated that dozens of bodies had been buried near Chemmani following the military’s recapture of Jaffna in 1995.
The initial excavation in 1999, supervised by both local and international observers, uncovered 15 skeletons. The current excavation — which resumed after several delays and renewed legal and political interest — has since revealed many more remains, suggesting the site may be far more extensive than previously believed.
Legal and Forensic Process
The remains unearthed are being subjected to detailed forensic examination to determine the identities, causes of death, and approximate time of burial. DNA analysis is expected to play a central role in identifying the victims. Human rights groups and families of the disappeared continue to call for transparency, justice, and accountability, urging the government to ensure an independent and impartial investigation.
Excavation work at Chemmani continues, with authorities indicating that further remains may yet be found as digging progresses.
