Chemmani: An excavation at a suspected mass grave in Chemmani, near Jaffna, Sri Lanka, has uncovered 582 human skeletons, including remains believed to belong
to babies and children, according to reports by The Telegraph and Al Jazeera.
The site has long been associated with allegations of killings and disappearances during Sri Lanka’s civil war between government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), also known as the Tamil Tigers.
582 human skeletons found in Chemanni
Investigators have also recovered objects including toys, milk bottles, school bags, shoes and bangles, adding to indications that some of the remains could belong to children.
Among the latest findings was a skeleton with both hands apparently tied against the chest, according to the reports.
240 skeletons found last year
Chemmani is considered one of Sri Lanka’s most significant suspected mass grave sites. Around 240 human remains were recovered from the same location last year.
The site first came under suspicion in 1998 after a Sri Lankan soldier, who was facing trial over the rape and murder of a schoolgirl, reportedly told investigators that hundreds of Tamil civilians held by the military had been killed and buried there.
15 skeletons found in 1999 excavation
An excavation ordered in 1999 resulted in 15 skeletons being found. A subsequent government investigation said 10 of those remains showed signs of serious assault. However, the inquiry was later discontinued.
The latest excavation followed the discovery of human remains by construction workers near a Hindu cremation ground several months ago.
The Sri Lankan government has allocated around £47,000, or approximately Rs 62 lakh, for the ongoing excavation.
Civil war left thousands missing
Sri Lanka’s civil war began in 1983 and continued for nearly three decades before government forces defeated the LTTE in 2009. More than 100,000 people are estimated to have died during the conflict, while thousands remain missing.
The LTTE fought for an independent Tamil state in the north and east of the island. Both the Sri Lankan security forces and the LTTE have faced allegations of serious human rights abuses, including killings, abductions and sexual violence.
Chemmani is located in Jaffna, an area that remained under military control from 1995 until the war ended.
The latest findings could intensify demands from families of the missing and rights groups for greater transparency and accountability over the fate of civilians who disappeared during the conflict.
