News

More skeletal remains discovered at Chemmani mass grave, bringing total to 40

Published

9 months ago

2025/07/8

Chemmani mass graves site (file photo)

Excavation teams at the Chemmani mass grave in Jaffna uncovered four additional sets of skeletal remains on Thursday (04), including two believed to be children, bringing the total number of remains identified to 40, Tamil Guardian reported.

The remains are now under the custody of the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) for forensic analysis. Material evidence recovered from the grave, including a schoolbag and sandal, have been catalogued and placed under court custody pending further investigation.

Students from the Department of Archaeology at the University of Jaffna are assisting with the excavations, which continue to reveal new evidence each day. On Wednesday, excavations were also carried out at a newly marked site near the original gravesite, based on forensic assessments and geospatial imaging.

While the current phase is focused solely on excavation, lawyers representing the families of the disappeared stated in court that more conclusive findings will only emerge during the next stages, which include forensic analysis and the identification of victims. Until then, they cautioned, definitive conclusions cannot yet be drawn.

The recent discoveries have reignited calls from Tamil families, civil society organisations, and international actors for a fully independent investigation under international supervision.

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Latest News

Bus fares increased by 12.19% from midnight today [23]

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/23

Priyan

Bus fares have been increased by 12.19% with effect from midnight today [23rd March 2026].

The minimum fare will be increased from Rs 27 to Rs 30 while the maximum fare of Rs2159/- will be increased to 2422/-

Latest News

Public will not be served as Computer system failure at Department of Registration of Persons

Published

3 hours ago

2026/03/23

Priyan

The Acting Commissioner General of Registration of Persons has announced that due to an unexpected failure of the computer system of the Department of Registration of Persons, all services, including the one day service will not be held on Tuesday (24th March) at the Head Office and all Provincial offices.

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Anuradhapura, Mannar and Vavuniya districts

Published

12 hours ago

2026/03/23

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology
at 3.30 p.m. on 22 March 2026, valid for 23 March 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in
Anuradhapura, Mannar and Vavuniya districts.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.