Jaffna, Sri Lanka – 9 June 2026
Six human bodies have been discovered in a single burial cluster during ongoing excavations at the Chemmani Sitthupathi mass grave in Jaffna, highlighting the scale and complexity of one of the country’s most significant forensic investigations.
The discovery was made on the seventy-third day of excavations, during which 16 human remains were uncovered. Among these, six bodies were found piled together, raising further concerns about the circumstances surrounding the burials.
Attorney V. S. Niranjan, who has been closely observing the investigation for over a year, stated that 302 of the 318 human remains identified to date have been recovered from the Chemmani Sitthupathi site. His statement underscores the magnitude of the excavation, which continues to reveal new findings.
On Monday, 8 June, marking the nineteenth day of the third phase of excavations, four additional bodies were recovered. According to Attorney Niranjan, recent discoveries also include skeletal remains believed to belong to children, adding a deeply concerning dimension to the investigation.
Excavators have also uncovered nearly 100 artefacts alongside the human remains. These items include baby milk bottles, toys such as dolls, children’s footwear, school bags, and several coins. Investigators note that these personal belongings may assist in identifying victims and understanding the context of the burials.
The excavation of the Chemmani Sitthupathi mass grave commenced on 15 May 2025 under a court order. The operation is being conducted under the supervision of Forensic Archaeologist Professor Raj Somadeva and Jaffna Forensic Medical Officer Dr Sellaya Pranavan, ensuring that the process adheres to both scientific and legal standards.
The Chemmani site is among the largest mass graves uncovered in Sri Lanka. The largest identified to date remains the Sathosa mass grave in Mannar, where 376 skeletal remains, including 28 children, were recovered.
Authorities have indicated that excavations at Chemmani will continue as investigations seek to determine the identities of the victims and establish the circumstances surrounding their deaths.