Next Phase of Chemmani Mass Grave Excavation Subject to Court Orders: Government

22-Jul-2026

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The Government has reiterated that all further action regarding the excavation of the Chemmani mass grave in Jaffna will be carried out strictly in accordance with court directives.

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said the Government had already made its position on the matter clear and had no objection to the excavation being conducted under judicial supervision.

His remarks came in response to questions raised during the weekly Cabinet media briefing held at the Department of Government Information in Colombo on July 21, following reports that a special delegation of European ambassadors led by European Union Ambassador Carmen Moreno would visit the excavation site.

The Minister said the Government had adopted a transparent approach to the issue and that the excavation was being carried out under the supervision of the Judicial Medical Officer, the Ministry of Justice and other authorised officials.

He noted that progress reports were being submitted to court periodically and stressed that the Government had nothing to conceal.

Jayatissa further said the Government had not received any special notification regarding the visit by the European diplomatic delegation.

He emphasised that the next phase of the excavation would proceed entirely in accordance with legal procedures and any subsequent action would depend solely on orders issued by the court.