The number of skeletal remains recovered from the Chemmani mass grave near Jaffna has risen to 454, further cementing its status as the largest mass grave uncovered in Sri Lanka, Tamil Guardian reported.
Of the total, 440 sets of remains have been fully exhumed. Forensic teams recovered eight additional skeletons — including those of two young children — during the 38th day of the third phase of excavations on July 20. The dig, which began in May last year, has now spanned some 92 days of fieldwork across three separate phases.
In a notable development, a delegation from the European Union was granted access to inspect the site after the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court approved the visit. The move follows sustained calls from Tamil families, human rights organisations and international figures for independent, international oversight of the investigation.
The Chemmani site is linked to enforced disappearances and killings during Sri Lanka’s decades-long civil conflict, and has become a focal point in the country’s contested transitional-justice process. Rights groups have repeatedly pressed for transparency, forensic rigour and accountability as the recovery continues.
The rising count builds on earlier phases of the excavation, which had previously recovered more than 350 sets of remains. Families of the disappeared and advocacy groups continue to seek answers over the identities of those buried at the site and the circumstances of their deaths.
