Report on ongoing investigation into mass grave site in Chemmani, Jaffna

Based on the preliminary feedback of the experts working at the site, the HRCSL learnt that over 90% of the human remains found at the site had no form of clothing whatsoever.

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It was also observed that, given the positioning of the skeletal remains, including the fact that some remains were in extreme proximity to one another, and the shallow depth of the remains, there is a reasonable likelihood that the burials were unlawful and pursuant to extrajudicial killings.

The report noted major gaps in expertise and technology available for the investigation into the mass grave site in Chemmani. These gaps related to the lack of an adequate number of experts in forensic anthropology and forensic archaeology, the nonavailability of technological facilities for more accurate methods of carbon dating, such as bomb-pulse 14C carbon dating, and the lack of cost-effective and accessible technological facilities to analyse DNA. In this context, the HRCSL found that overseas expertise and technology would be required to effectively complete the investigation. It also found that there were notable weaknesses in the timely provision of adequate funds for the investigation into the mass grave site in Chemmani.

The report highlighted disturbing accounts of certain officers of the CID intimidating persons involved in the excavation and exhumation work at the mass grave site. In such circumstances, the report concluded that the continued involvement of regular police officers in the investigation into the mass grave site in Chemmani was likely to prejudice the outcome of the investigation. It recommended that an alternative approach would be needed and highlighted the need for the establishment of an independent permanent Office for the Investigation and Prosecution of Serious Crimes by State Officials.