US Tamil Diaspora’s press release is now available on AP News: Read the press release on AP News
US Tamil Diaspora Writes to Uppsala University Seeking Independent Review of Professor Raj Somadeva’s Chemmani Interpretations
Academic scrutiny, transparency, and independent forensic examination sought for families seeking truth and justice
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — US Tamil Diaspora has written to the Department of Archaeology, Ancient History and Conservation at Uppsala University in Sweden, where Professor Raj Somadeva earned his doctorate, requesting an independent academic review of his interpretations concerning the Chemmani mass graves in Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
The letter asks the University to facilitate an assessment or recommend qualified independent specialists to examine the report, its supporting evidence, and the methods used.
The appeal concerns 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 and human remains discovered at the site.
“Families searching for their missing loved ones deserve explanations supported by verifiable evidence. A possibility must be clearly distinguished from an established finding,” US Tamil Diaspora stated.
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 therefore calls for access to the report and supporting documentation through appropriate procedures, followed by independent examination.
Questions for Independent Review
The letter requests scrutiny of the following issues:
▪ Scientific evidence: What findings support an infectious-disease or natural-catastrophe explanation, particularly in light of accounts of children’s school bags, personal belongings, and skeletal trauma that require independent verification and assessment?
▪ Historical correspondence: Has a specific event been identified, and does its timing match independently established burial dates?
▪ Burial interpretation: What supports the interpretation of formal burial practices, and how were alternative explanations—including extrajudicial and other unlawful killings—evaluated?
▪ Specialist involvement: Which conclusions require assessment by forensic pathologists, anthropologists, or other independent specialists?
▪ Uncertainty: Does the report clearly distinguish observations, provisional hypotheses, and supported conclusions?
“An interpretation of organised or formal burial practices must not substitute for an investigation into how the individuals died. Every plausible explanation—including unlawful killings—must be examined fairly against the evidence,” the organisation emphasised.
Academic Scrutiny and Transparency
US Tamil Diaspora emphasises that its request does not prejudge Professor Somadeva’s intentions or allege proven misconduct. A credible review should examine the complete documentation and give him an opportunity to explain his methods and respond.
The organisation recognises that Uppsala University’s award of a doctorate does not imply endorsement of a graduate’s subsequent professional work. Its letter seeks academic assistance and independent expertise to assess the scientific basis of the interpretations and identify any further investigation required.
US Tamil Diaspora urges the relevant authorities to preserve all remains, records, and associated evidence, enable further independent international forensic examination, and ensure that affected families receive meaningful information about the investigation.
Standing in solidarity with the mothers and families searching for their disappeared loved ones, the organisation calls for a thorough investigation that preserves every opportunity to establish the truth.
“Chemmani’s families deserve a transparent, impartial investigation that follows the evidence wherever it leads. Scientific uncertainty must be resolved through rigorous examination, with the search for truth remaining open.”
Issued by:
US Tamil Diaspora
New York, United States
Relevant Links
▪ Letter to Uppsala University: US Tamil Diaspora’s request to the Department of Archaeology, Ancient History and Conservation for an independent review of the Chemmani report.
Read the letter
▪ Chemmani Mass Graves: Infectious Disease Theory Is an Insult to Tamil Victims — Another Reminder That Tamils Must Restore Their Sovereignty
Read the press release
▪ Is Professor Raj Somadeva an Archaeologist or a Magician?
Read the article