19 Human Skeletons Recovered from Chemmani Site; Next Phase of Excavation Set for June 26
Colombo, June 8 (LankaXpress.com) — Excavation work at the suspected mass grave in Sittupatthu, Chemmani, Jaffna has so far uncovered the skeletal remains of 19 individuals. The first phase of the excavation, which began on May 15 under a court order, concluded June 7 after nine days of pit test work.
The site was initially identified following the discovery of human bone fragments on February 20 during a construction project. Based on a police report, Jaffna Magistrate A. Ananda Rajah ordered a formal excavation, which is being carried out by a team of archaeologists led by Professor Raj Somadeva.
The next phase of the excavation is expected to begin on June 26. International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have urged the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure the process remains transparent, well-funded, and in line with global standards to build trust among victims’ families and the public.
Image -Tamil Guradian