Justice Ministry Releases Funds to Continue Dig at Chemmani Mass Grave Where 241 Skeletons Were Found

JAFFNA – The Ministry of Justice has allocated Rs. 2 million for the next phase of excavation work at the Chemmani Sittupatthi mass grave site near the cemetery in Jaffna.

The allocation of funds was revealed during the court hearing concerning the mass grave excavation, which was held today at the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court.

Excavation work at the site had been temporarily halted on September 26 due due to a lack of funds. By that date, a total of 241 human skeletons had been recovered from the mass grave.

Following the announcement that financial provisions have been received, Jaffna Magistrate S. Lenin Kumar instructed the relevant parties to resume the excavation, taking into consideration the prevailing rain conditions. The Magistrate further announced that the case related to the mass grave would be taken up for hearing again on November 03, 2025.

The court case regarding the Chemmani mass grave was filed by the Association for the Search for Disappeared Persons during the War. The association’s petition requests the court to accurately identify the individuals buried in the mass grave, present a detailed report to the public regarding the findings, and ensure that any parties found guilty in connection with the incident are punished according to the law. (NewsCenter)