Funding Pending for Third-Phase Excavation at Chemmani Human Burial Site

08-Apr-2026

.

The Justice Ministry has yet to grant approval for funds to conduct the third phase of excavations at the human burial site discovered at Chemmani, Chindupathi Cemetery, Jaffna, the court revealed.

Proceedings related to the Chemmani site were heard on April 7 before Jaffna Magistrate Lenin Kumar. Investigating officers from the Criminal Investigation Department appeared in court, and legal medical expert Dr. Chelaiya Pranavan, overseeing the excavations, submitted a special report. Representatives for affected parties, led by Attorney Ranitha Gnanaraja, and Attorney Poorani appearing for the Missing Persons Office, were also present.

Dr. Pranavan stated that preparations for the third phase of excavation were underway and that conditions at the Hindu cemetery in Chemmani were suitable for continuation. However, approval for the proposed expenditure has not yet been granted by the Justice Ministry. The magistrate instructed the Ministry to expedite a reminder letter.

With the third-phase excavation scheduled for 27 April, proceeding without approval raises uncertainties. The case will be revisited on 21 April to reassess the authorisation. EU officials representing the Missing Persons Office have requested permission to inspect the site. Magistrate Lenin Kumar ruled that the site may be visited on 21 April at either 9:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. Officers from the CID also submitted a report on the dating of recovered items and were instructed to forward a directive to Professor Raj Somadeva for related determinations.