More Bodies May Be Buried Near A-9 Road, Says Jaffna Bar Association

07-Jul-2025

..

So far, 37 bodies have been recovered from the Ariyalai–Chemmani–Sinthupathy mass grave in Jaffna. 

The Jaffna Bar Association has expressed suspicion that additional bodies could be buried near the A-9 highway, beyond the currently excavated 11-by-11-foot area of the Chemmani–Sinthupathy cemetery.

The Bar Association has deployed a team of lawyers to observe the excavation site. Speaking on their behalf, Attorney V. Manivannan stated that, if necessary, steps would be taken to extend the excavation to additional areas.

On the 9th day of the second phase of excavation, work proceeded yesterday under the supervision of Jaffna Magistrate A. Anandarajah.

The excavation was carried out directly under Judicial Medical Officer Dr. Selliah Pranavan, assisted by Archaeology Professor Raj Somadeva.

By yesterday evening, 42 skeletal remains had been identified, with 37 recovered so far.

Attorney V. Manivannan further noted that examination of the burial method suggests the bodies were deliberately buried in an organised manner intended to obscure evidence and prevent detection of the direction in which the remains lay.