Chemmani Mass Graves

January 1, 1996
Chemmani, Jaffna
Mass grave
300 +
Killed

What Happened

In 1996, mass graves were discovered at Chemmani containing bodies of Tamils killed by security forces. Following the Krishanthi Kumaraswamy case, a convicted soldier confessed about mass graves in Chemmani where 300-400 bodies were buried. The graves were dug under supervision of Judge Ilancheliyan and Prof. Neriyella from Ruhunu University. The first excavation unearthed 11 skeletons, forensic investigation estimated ages from 16 to 35 years. Before the second digging, people were banned from the area and military vehicle movements were noticed at night. The second excavation uncovered 6 more bodies. Investigations were then halted and no further progress has been made.

Perpetrators

Sri Lankan Army

Sources & References

  • NESOHR - Lest We Forget Volume I

Documented Victim Demographics

Based on victims with documented names and details

Documented Victims (21 names)

# Name Age Occupation
1 Krishanthi Kumaraswamy 18 Student
2 Rasamma Kumaraswamy -
3 Pranavan Kumaraswamy -
4 Kirubamoorthy -
5 Skeleton 1 -
6 Skeleton 2 -
7 Skeleton 3 -
8 Skeleton 4 -
9 Skeleton 5 -
10 Skeleton 6 -
11 Skeleton 7 -
12 Skeleton 8 -
13 Skeleton 9 -
14 Skeleton 10 -
15 Skeleton 11 -
16 Body 12 -
17 Body 13 -
18 Body 14 -
19 Body 15 -
20 Body 16 -
21 Body 17 -
Children (age ≤ 12)