Excavation work at the Chemmani mass grave site has recovered 565 skeletons and 45 bone fragments, with authorities proceeding under court direction while facing questions about investigation pace and evidence handling.
Authorities have recovered 565 skeletons from the Chemmani mass grave site, according to Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa. The latest recovery effort on August 17 yielded eight additional skeletons and one bone fragment, bringing the total tally to 565 skeletal remains along with 45 bone fragments. The current excavation phase is scheduled to conclude on August 19, with all discovered material being documented and reported to the court.
The excavation process has drawn scrutiny from media representatives regarding the condition of remains at the site. Journalists raised concerns about photographs from the excavations that allegedly showed evidence of victims killed through inhumane methods and buried unclothed. When questioned about these findings, Minister Jayatissa emphasized the government's commitment to transparency and stated that factual details surrounding the site would be made public.
The investigation has also highlighted gaps in the evidence-gathering process. Authorities have faced questions about why they have not yet interviewed convicted former Sri Lanka Army Lance Corporal Somaratne Rajapakse, who reportedly possesses information about potential locations of additional burial sites. In response to concerns about the investigation's progress, the minister indicated that further action would proceed according to court orders and that witness testimony would be obtained in due course. The government has maintained that all next steps remain contingent on judicial guidance.
