Chemmani mass grave artifacts displayed for public identification; six more skeletons found today

Over two hundred individuals including relatives of enforced disappeared persons visited Chemmani mass grave site today to identify artifacts found at the mass grave site in Jaffna.

Artifacts such as clothing for children, a feeding bottle belonging to infants, a bag and bangles were among the items that were displayed for the public seeking further information in order to identify victims. 

Based on the motion moved by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Jaffna Magistrate court last week, the Jaffna Magistrate A. A. Aanatharajah issued a directive on Friday to display artifacts found during excavation in public for identification to pursue further investigations.

The public display process took place from 1.00 pm till 5.00 pm at the mass grave site where special arrangements were made to assist families to check the artifacts which belonged to individuals. 

Meanwhile, six more new human remains were identified today during the excavation process as well. With the latest identification, totally 141 skeletons were identified in which 130 were fully exhumed and currently under judicial custody. 

Under directives issued by Jaffna Magistrate Courts, scanners from University of Sri Jayawardenapura were brought to the site to detect potential mass grave sites in the adjacent area as well. 

The excavation activities are scheduled to recommence tomorrow.