July 21, Colombo (LNW): The number of human skeletons unearthed from what is believed to be Sri Lanka’s largest mass grave has risen to more than 450, as forensic excavations continue at the site.
Lawyer Ranitha Gnanarajah, who represents families of victims of enforced disappearances in the Northern Province, said that the remains of 454 individuals have so far been recovered during the excavation process. The investigation, which began on 15 May last year, has now spanned 92 days of fieldwork conducted across three separate phases.
Excavation teams are continuing to carefully examine the Chemmani site, with one partially exposed skeleton, found buried in a cross-legged position on Sunday, still awaiting complete recovery. Investigators are proceeding cautiously to preserve evidence and minimise the risk of damaging the remains.
During the 38th day of the third phase of excavations on 20 July, forensic teams recovered eight additional skeletons, including the remains of two young children. A further six sets of human remains were uncovered during yesterday’s excavation, adding to the overall total.
The discovery has drawn renewed attention to unresolved cases of enforced disappearances linked to Sri Lanka’s past conflicts. Once the excavation process is completed, the recovered remains are expected to undergo detailed forensic and anthropological examinations to help establish the identities of the victims and determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths, where possible.
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