Chemmani mass grave becomes largest one in Sri Lanka with 380 remains recovered so far; Justice Minister to visit site tomorrow

 

Chemmani mass grave site. 

The total number of human remains recovered at Chemmani mass grave site reached to 380 today with fifteen more skeletons including two of them suspected to belong to children were exhumed on Wednesday (June 18). 

During the excavation activities today -27th day of third phase (June 18) , six skeletons that were marked earlier fully recovered. 

Two coins stuck near hip site of a human remains were also recovered and identified as one of the evidence. 

Meanwhile, a delegation led by Minister of Justice and National Integration Harsha Nanayakkara is scheduled  to visit the site on Friday (June 19).  

So far, seventeen mass graves were identified across the country. In Mannar, where a mass grave was found near Sathosa building, over 340 human remains were recovered and legal steps were taken for further forensic studies to determine identity. 

Attorney at Law V. S. Niranjan who represent families of disappeared on the Chemmani mass grave case said Minister is scheduled to visit to monitor ongoing excavation activities.  (Northeastern Monitor/ June 16/2026)