The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake urging decisive and transparent action over the ongoing investigations into the Chemmani mass graves in Jaffna. In a strongly worded letter, ITAK called for international collaboration, proper forensic standards, and accountability for what it described as clear evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The letter highlights the grim history of the Chemmani site, which came to light in 1999 after disclosures during a trial revealed the burial of Tamil civilians. Initial excavations unearthed 15 skeletons, with estimates of hundreds more allegedly buried there. Earlier this year, redevelopment work at the Chemmani Ariyalai Hindu crematorium led to the discovery of further human remains, prompting a new court-supervised excavation.
According to ITAK, approximately 65 skeletons — including those of infants and children — have already been exhumed in 2025, accompanied by personal belongings that affirmed their civilian identity. The party warned that despite repeated findings, meaningful justice and accountability have yet to be delivered, and many perpetrators remain unpunished.
The letter emphasizes the need to:
- Consolidate the 1999 and 2025 investigations into a single judicial and forensic inquiry under the Colombo and Jaffna Magistrate’s Courts.
- Engage independent, internationally respected forensic experts to oversee the excavation process.
- Publicize interim and final forensic findings and DNA identifications.
- Repatriate remains sent abroad for analysis to Sri Lanka for proper examination and dignified return to families.
- Allocate sufficient resources and ensure prosecution of those responsible for the atrocities.
ITAK stressed that failure to act decisively would continue to undermine national healing and reconciliation efforts, calling the current gestures of reconciliation “hollow without real legal action.”
Signatories C.V.K. Sivagnanam and M.A. Sumanthiran stated that ITAK stands ready to support constructive measures to uphold Sri Lanka’s moral and legal obligations and to chart a credible path toward truth and justice.
The party concluded that addressing these long-standing issues is essential not only for the families of the victims but also for the country’s moral integrity and future unity.
