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2026-10-21

Chemmani mass grave: New report raises questions as families continue to await justice

The investigation into the Chemmani mass grave in Jaffna remains unresolved following the recovery and exhumation of 583 sets of human skeletal remains. An interim archaeological report submitted to the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court on 19 October 2026 has raised new questions about the burial site but has not established a definitive explanation for the deaths. The identities of the individuals and the circumstances of their deaths remain unresolved.

Professor Raj Somadeva submitted the report, while the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) filed two additional reports. According to media reports, the archaeological report discusses possible explanations, including an infectious disease outbreak or natural disaster. However, these remain hypotheses, and the available evidence is insufficient to determine conclusively how or when the individuals died.

Concerns over the investigation have persisted. On 1 September 2026, Human Rights Watch highlighted limited progress in identifying the victims and establishing their cause of death, as well as weaknesses in forensic capacity. On 6 September, the Office on Missing Persons said it was considering international forensic and technical assistance, although it had not reported concrete steps at that time.

The identities of the victims, the circumstances of their deaths, and any possible criminal responsibility remain unresolved. Further forensic examinations, scientific testing, and DNA comparisons with relatives of the disappeared are essential to establishing the truth. The court has scheduled its next administrative committee meeting for 19 November 2026 to consider the reports and determine further steps. The CID has also received permission to question Lance Corporal Somaratne Rajapakse, whose earlier testimony brought attention to alleged burials at Chemmani.

The new archaeological report does not close the case or rule out allegations of unlawful killings. Equally, the circumstances of the deaths have not yet been conclusively established. For families of the disappeared, the priority remains a credible and independent investigation that identifies the victims, establishes the truth, and ensures accountability wherever the evidence leads.