News and events

Chemmani Mass Grave: 209 Remains identified amid discoveries of embraced skeletons

2025-09-01

Excavations at the Chemmani mass grave in Jaffna have now uncovered 209 human skeletal remains, as forensic teams continue their courtsanctioned investigation into one of the islands largest and most disturbing mass burial sites.

On Sunday, ten additional skeletons were fully exhumed, and twelve more remains were identified, marking a significant development in the third segment of the second phase of excavations. This phase began on Monday, 25th, and has now entered its seventh day, while the broader excavation process has spanned 48 total working days since May 2025. Of the 209 remains identified so far, 191 have been fully exhumed under close judicial supervision.Among the August 31st findings were two skeletons discovered in an intertwined position, suggesting they may have been buried while embracing each other. Forensic experts and legal observers present at the site noted the rarity and emotional weight of such a discovery, which has added to growing calls for transparent, victimcentred investigation procedures.The excavation continues to take place at Forensic Sites No. 01 and No. 02, designated by the Jaffna Magistrates Court. Although the court initially approved a 45day timeline for the current phase, Sunday marked day 39 of active work.

Excavation efforts resumed on Monday, August 26, following an 18day technical and procedural break. Shortly thereafter, on August 27, three additional skeletal remains were identified, bringing the number of fully exhumed remains at that point to 158 and total identified remains to 169.

Over the past week, excavation work has intensified. Clearing operations in surrounding areasbelieved to contain more unmarked gravesare now underway, with new zones scheduled for forensic digging in the coming days.

First brought to light in 1998 by a Sri Lankan soldier on trial for rape and murder, the Chemmani mass graves are deeply tied to allegations of extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and secret burials of Tamil civilians by the Sri Lankan military during its occupation of Jaffna in the mid1990s.

Since the resumption of excavations earlier this year, Tamil families of the disappeared, human rights organisations, and activists have renewed calls for international oversight, forensic transparency, and a credible accountability mechanism. Many have questioned the ability of Sri Lankas state institutionslong accused of impunityto conduct impartial investigations.

The Centre for Human Rights and Development CHRD and other civil society actors continue to monitor the site closely, documenting proceedings and advocating for justice on behalf of affected families. CHRD has consistently called for the involvement of independent forensic experts and for the excavation to be part of a broader transitional justice process that includes reparations, truthseeking, and criminal accountability.

As August 25th excavations resume, observers expect the number of discovered remains to rise further. Each new find reinforces the tragic scale of the atrocities buried at Chemmaniand the urgent need for truth, recognition, and justice for victims and their families.