November 04, Colombo (LNW): The planned third phase of excavation at the Chemmani mass grave has been temporarily halted after heavy rainfall caused significant water accumulation within the burial area.
Authorities confirmed that excavation work could not proceed under the current conditions, as the standing water has made the site unsafe and unsuitable for further digging. During the first two stages of excavation, investigators uncovered 240 sets of human skeletal remains, of which 239 were exhumed for forensic examination.
A delegation, including Jaffna Magistrate S. Lenin Kumar, the Judicial Medical Officer, and a group of legal representatives, recently visited the location to review progress and discuss the next steps. Upon inspection, the team noted that persistent rain had submerged sections of the site, making it impossible to continue excavation until the area is properly drained and stabilised.
Although funds for the third phase have already been secured, officials have agreed to delay further work until conditions improve.
The inspection team is scheduled to return to Chemmani on January 19, 2026 to re-evaluate the situation and determine a suitable date to resume operations.
The Chemmani site remains one of the most controversial mass graves in the region, with investigators committed to ensuring that all remains are recovered and examined with the utmost care and respect.
