Chemmani mass graves : MP Shanakiyan raises concerns

June 30, 2025 at 5:25 PM

Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has raised serious concerns regarding the Chemmani mass graves in Jaffna, including the preservation of the skeletal remains found thus far.

In a statement on ‘X’, MP Rasamanickam highlighted four key concerns regarding the mass graves where 33 skeletal remains have been found as of yesterday.  

The Batticaloa District MP says, in contrast to the Kokkuththoduvai site, where temporary yet sturdy structures were erected to shield the graves from direct rainfall and water runoff, Chemmmani appears to have only a basic shelter providing shade, pointing out that this inadequate protection may risk further damage to the remains.

The MP further states that despite the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) stating that journalists are permitted access twice daily, media personnel are currently only allowed five minutes at 4:30 PM each day. 

“In comparison, Kokkuththoduvai allowed journalists access three times a day, at 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 4:30 PM. Given the growing number of journalists covering the site, more time is clearly needed for proper documentation,” he stressed.

Revealing that site security is reportedly being handled by both police and local cemetery workers, MP Rasamanickam said, however, questions remain about whether this level of protection is adequate and whether it might affect public trust in the integrity of the process.

The MP also raised concerns over the lack of CCTV cameras at the Chemmani site so far. 

“Officials claim this is because the site is more accessible than Kokkuththoduvai, where cameras were installed due to its remote location. Still, the presence of fully operational CCTV surveillance at Chemmani would enhance transparency and help maintain public confidence,” he added.

Excavation at Sittupatthu in Chemmani, Jaffna began on 15 May following a court directive, after workers from the Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha discovered fragments of human bones on 20 February while clearing land for a construction project. The work is being carried out by a team of archaeologists led by Professor Raj Somadeva. (Newswire)