Request for Independent Academic Review of Professor Raj Somadeva’s Chemmani Report: Head of Department and Faculty Members
Department of Archaeology, Ancient History and Conservation
Uppsala University
Box 626
SE-751 26 Uppsala
Sweden
From: US Tamil Diaspora
New York, United States
Subject: Request for Independent Academic Review of Professor Raj Somadeva’s Chemmani Report
Dear Head of Department and Faculty Members,
US Tamil Diaspora respectfully requests your department’s assistance in facilitating an independent academic assessment of interpretations attributed to Professor Raj Somadeva concerning the Chemmani mass graves in Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
As Professor Somadeva earned his doctorate at Uppsala University, US Tamil Diaspora approaches your department for its expertise and assistance in identifying qualified independent specialists to examine his report, supporting evidence, and methods.
The organisation’s concern relates to suggestions reportedly presented to the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court that infectious disease, cultural customs, or a natural catastrophe could explain aspects of the burial context.
For families searching for disappeared relatives, these interpretations carry profound consequences. Preliminary hypotheses must be clearly distinguished from established findings, and uncertainty must not prematurely narrow the investigation.
US Tamil Diaspora has not seen conclusive forensic evidence establishing these explanations or documentation identifying a specific epidemic or catastrophe that accounts for the remains. The organisation acknowledges that this does not establish that such evidence is absent from the complete report. It underscores the importance of examining the full documentation.
The organisation is also concerned about accounts describing children’s remains and associated belongings, including school items, alongside allegations of restraint and skeletal trauma. These accounts require independent verification and specialist assessment. If confirmed, their significance must be fully addressed.
US Tamil Diaspora respectfully requests assistance with the following:
Independent academic assessment: Recommend qualified forensic archaeologists, anthropologists, pathologists, and other specialists to review the complete report and supporting documentation.
Evaluation of the proposed explanations: Examine what evidence supports an epidemic or natural-catastrophe hypothesis, whether a relevant historical event has been identified, and whether its timing corresponds with independently established burial dates.
Assessment of alternative explanations: Examine the basis for interpreting formal burial practices and how other possibilities, including extrajudicial or other unlawful killings, were evaluated.
Clarity about scientific limitations: Assess whether the report adequately distinguishes observations, provisional hypotheses, and supported conclusions, and identifies examinations requiring expertise beyond archaeology.
Transparency and evidence preservation: Support the preservation of all remains, associated objects, excavation records, photographs, and laboratory documentation, together with appropriate access for independent international forensic examination.
This request does not prejudge Professor Somadeva’s intentions or allege proven misconduct. A credible assessment should examine the complete evidence and provide him an opportunity to explain his methods and respond to concerns.
US Tamil Diaspora recognises that awarding a doctorate does not make Uppsala University responsible for a graduate’s subsequent professional work. Nevertheless, your department could make a valuable contribution by recommending an impartial and scientifically rigorous review process.
US Tamil Diaspora stands in solidarity with the mothers and families who have spent decades seeking answers about their missing loved ones. They deserve a transparent investigation that follows the evidence wherever it leads.
Please acknowledge receipt of this letter and advise whether your department can assist or refer the organisation to an appropriate academic or forensic institution. Guidance on the documentation required for an initial assessment would be appreciated.
Yours faithfully,
US Tamil Diaspora
New York, United States