July 27, Colombo (LNW): The second phase of excavations at the site adjacent to the Chemmani Sitthupattu cemetery in Jaffna has so far uncovered the remains of 101 individuals, as of July 26—marking the 21st day of the current stage of investigation.
Cumulatively, both the first and second phases of the excavation have now spanned a total of 30 working days. Despite the progress, authorities are still awaiting judicial authorisation to proceed with further excavation in the surrounding area.
Those overseeing the effort anticipate that the necessary court order will be issued by early next week, potentially by Monday.
The excavation work, which was initiated on the directive of the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court, is being conducted under strict legal and scientific oversight. The identification and categorisation of skeletal remains and related artefacts are being meticulously carried out under the supervision of Dr Sellaya Piranawan, Specialist Forensic Medical Officer attached to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital.
The discovered remains have been securely transferred to the Department of Forensic Medicine and Anthropology at the University of Jaffna for analysis and safekeeping.
In light of the sensitivity and significance of the site, security measures have been intensified, including the installation of additional CCTV surveillance to monitor the area around the clock.
Initially, three members of the local Cemetery Committee were permitted to observe the site. However, following instructions from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), that number has since been restricted to one designated representative.
Excavation activities are set to continue today (27), as authorities work to determine the origins and circumstances surrounding the mass burial, which is believed to date back to a period of conflict in the region.
Photo Courtesy: Ajith Senevirathne
