Jaffna Court Extends Chemmani Mass Grave Excavation by 45 Days

10-Jun-2025

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The Jaffna Magistrate’s Court has ordered the continuation of excavation work at the Chemmani Sindhupathi Hindu Cemetery for an additional 45 days, following the discovery of a mass grave at the site.

Lawyers had earlier petitioned the court to officially declare the Chemmani Sindhupathi Hindu Cemetery a human burial site. The case was heard on Jun 6, and during the proceedings, expert reports from the Judicial Medical Officer and a Professor of Forensic Science were submitted.

Human remains were discovered at a depth of 1.6 feet. The skeletal remains appeared to have been buried in a disorganized and haphazard manner. Notably, the absence of clothing or personal belongings at the site was brought to the court’s attention.

To date, 18 human skeletons have been identified, five of which have been fully excavated.

With the first phase of excavation expected to conclude on Jun 7, a request was made to the court to allow continued work at the site. The court subsequently granted an extension of 45 days.