Genuine perpetrators of Chemmani mass grave case will be punished: Government

30-Jul-2026

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The genuine perpetrators responsible for the Chemmani mass grave incident will be punished according to the law, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said.

He stated that it would only be determined at the conclusion of investigations whether the responsibility for the tragedy lies with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the Indian Army, or Sri Lankan security forces.

The Minister made these remarks at a press conference held at the Government Information Department in Colombo on July 28, to announce Cabinet decisions.

The Minister further stated:

“Although information regarding this matter emerged during 1998 and 1999, no government continued investigations into it. Only after the present Government came to power were funds allocated through the Office on Missing Persons and serious efforts commenced. Even the European Union and human rights organisations have appreciated these measures taken by the Government.”

He said the process currently consisted of several stages.

“First, the remains must be identified. Advertisements have already been published in newspapers and will be published again if necessary. DNA samples can be obtained from those who suspect that their missing relatives may be among the remains. So far, no such DNA samples have been obtained. Excavation work is continuing,” he said.

Regarding former army soldier Somaratne Rajapaksa, who claimed to possess information about the incident, the Minister said representatives of the Office on Missing Persons and the police had been sent to record his statement.

“However, he has not revealed all the facts directly and appears to be seeking a presidential pardon. It is not clear whether what he says is true or whether he is attempting to escape punishment after being convicted by court,” he said.

“A person who genuinely wanted to reveal the truth could have done so from the beginning. However, regardless of whether he becomes an important witness, the Government will ensure his security 100 per cent,” the Minister added.

He said the next step would be to identify those responsible for the crimes, but investigations had not yet reached that stage.

“The first task is to determine whether the skeletons discovered are the result of natural deaths or injuries caused by attacks,” he said.

The Minister further noted that during the relevant period, the area had been under the control of several groups, including the LTTE, the Indian Army and other paramilitary groups, before the Sri Lankan military entered the area.

“After identifying the individuals, appropriate investigations will be conducted,” he said.

Responding to questions regarding the Kurukkalmadam mass grave, the Minister said excavations were currently underway.

“We will not reach conclusions without the results of investigations,” he said.