Over 400 human remains excavated at Chemmani mass grave so far

 

A set of human remains were identified in one pit at Chemmani mass grave site on Monday (June 22) 

With seven more new human remains recovered today (June 22), the total human remains excavated at Chemmani mass grave site in Jaffna reached 412, according to lawyers and observers at the site. 

Out of the total 412 human remains, 390 were excavated fully and currently placed under judicial custody of Jaffna Magistarte Court. Among the human remains recovered so far, a significant number of them suspected to be children, lawyers said. 

The third phase of excavation activities has been going on over 30 days.

Last week, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara visited the site and assured government’s continuous support for further forensic identification process inorder to identify victims. 

 With further excavation process underway, Chemmani mass grave site has become the largest grave site in the country among the total 18 mass graves that were identified in the past. (Northeastern Monitor/ June 22/2026)