Submission of Budget for Third-Phase Excavation of Chemmani Human Burial Site

20-Sep-2025

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The revenue and expenditure plan for the third-phase excavation of the Chemmani human burial site has been submitted in the Jaffna Magistrate Court by Forensic Officer Sellaiya Pranavan.

The case related to the Chemmani human burial site was heard in the Jaffna Magistrate Court on September 18. 

During the proceedings, the forensic officer Sellaiya Pranavan submitted the revenue and expenditure plan for the third-phase excavation.

Based on the scanning operations conducted during the second-phase excavation, and reports including the primary report by Professor Somadeva, indications were found that additional human burial sites may exist near the locations already identified. 

Therefore, the forensic officer applied in court for an eight-week permission to carry out the third-phase excavation, and immediately submitted the corresponding revenue and expenditure plan. 

Subsequently, the court postponed further proceedings to the 1st of the following month.

During the first and second phases of the Chemmani human burial site excavations—conducted over 9 days and 45 days respectively, totaling 54 days—240 human remains were identified. Of these, 239 remains were fully exhumed and placed under the court’s custody, which is noteworthy.