HRCSL Report Confirms Serious Gaps in Chemmani Mass Grave Investigation
New York, USA – September 2025 – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has released its fact-finding report on the ongoing investigation into the Chemmani mass grave in Jaffna. The report, based on a mission in August 2025, highlights serious deficiencies in expertise, technology, funding, and accountability.
Key Findings
- Over 200 sets of human remains have been recovered so far, making Chemmani the 17th officially recorded mass grave in Sri Lanka.
- 90% of remains were found without clothing, and many were buried at very shallow depths, strongly suggesting extrajudicial killings.
- Investigations face a shortage of forensic experts, outdated technology, and delays in releasing donated DNA testing equipment.
- The CID has intimidated families and staff, while a Tamil journalist reporting on the grave was summoned by the CTID, raising fears of media suppression.
- The HRCSL warns that the Sri Lanka Army and Police are interested parties due to past disappearances in Chemmani, making their continued involvement problematic.
Recommendations
The HRCSL urges the Government of Sri Lanka to:
- Adopt a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all mass grave investigations.
- Establish a DNA bank to collect and preserve samples from families of the disappeared.
- Seek international expertise for DNA testing and bomb-pulse carbon dating.
- Set up a permanent independent office to investigate and prosecute state crimes, including disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
- Ensure the Army withdraws completely from Chemmani investigations.
- Stop CID and CTID intimidation of families, civil society, and journalists.
Core Conclusion
The HRCSL concludes that while some experts are working with dedication, there is a systemic lack of capacity and political will among law enforcement to ensure accountability. Without urgent reforms and an independent investigative body, justice for the victims of Chemmani will remain out of reach.
