International Investigation Needed Into Somarathna Rajapaksa's Claims on Chemmani Mass Grave: MP Ravikaran

25-Jun-2026

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Vanni District MP Durairasa Ravikaran has urged the Government to conduct an international investigation into claims made by former Army Lance Corporal Somarathna Rajapaksa regarding the Chemmani mass grave.

Speaking in Parliament on June 23, he noted that information had also emerged regarding alleged burial sites in Ariyalai and Colombuthurai.

The MP stated that Chemmani has now been identified as the country's largest mass grave site, with 412 skeletal remains identified and 390 exhumed so far.

He welcomed the recent visit by Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara to the site and the Minister's assurance that investigations would proceed.

According to Ravikaran, these developments have given hope to affected Tamil families seeking justice.

He recalled that Somarathna Rajapaksa, who was sentenced to death in connection with the murder of schoolgirl Krishanthi Kumaraswamy, had previously alleged that between 300 and 400 civilians were killed and buried by security forces in Chemmani.

Investigations conducted on the basis of his claims had earlier resulted in the recovery of 15 human skeletons. However, subsequent inquiries had stalled.

The MP further stated that Rajapaksa had written to the President through his wife last year expressing willingness to testify before international investigators.

Given the seriousness of the allegations, he called for an international inquiry to uncover the truth.