Chemmani mass grave: Justice Ministry yet to approve financial allocations for next stage excavations

Human remains that were found in the Chemmani mass grave during excavation activities earlier this year. Pix:Northeastern Monitor 

Ministry of Justice and National Integration is yet to approve financial allocation for second stage of excavation activities at Chemmani mass grave, the Jaffna Magistrate Courts was told. 

When the court heard the case in Tuesday ( April 7), Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) Dr. S. Piranavan told the courts that financial allocations are not provided by the ministry yet despite excavation activities were scheduled to commence on April 20.

The Courts is scheduled to take up the case on April 21 in open courts to consider whether excavation activities can commence on April 27. The courts was also told that flood water remain stagnated in some of the land plots that were under excavation earlier as well. 

Meanwhile, the Court also granted approval for a delegation of European Union (EU) representatives to visit the mass grave site on April 21. The court said the delegation can visit the site either before 9.30 am or after 2.30 pm. (Northeastern Monitor / April 9/2026)