A demonstration was held in Jaffna on Sunday (14) demanding an international investigation into the Chemmani mass grave, which protesters said constitutes evidence of the genocide committed against Tamils, Tamil Guardian HAS reported.

The procession began near the United Nations office, close to the Kailasa Pillayar Temple in Nallur, and proceeded to Kittu Park, where it concluded with a public gathering. Protesters demanded an international inquiry into the 583 sets of human skeletal remains and other evidence recovered from the site.

The rally was organised jointly by the Tamil National Council and civil society organisations, which had called for the excavation, preservation and forensic analysis of Chemmani and other mass graves to be placed entirely under the responsibility of the United Nations, without intervention by the Sri Lankan state.

A party alleged to have been responsible for a crime cannot be expected to exercise exclusive control over the evidence needed to investigate it, the council argued ahead of the demonstration, warning that placing such material under the control of an alleged perpetrator creates a risk that evidence could be damaged or compromised, Tamil Guardian reported.

Alongside the Chemmani demands, the organisers had called for an independent international criminal investigation into the genocide of Tamils, the transfer of evidence to the International Criminal Court, the immediate release of political prisoners held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the repeal of that legislation, the withdrawal of the military from the North-East, the return of occupied land, and international recognition of the Eelam Tamil people’s right to self-determination.

The Sri Lanka Navy recovered its Fast Attack Craft P 4447 following a successful salvage operation, bringing a multi-stage emergency response to a close.

The craft sank during a routine patrol, on 15 August 2026, off Angulana, after colliding with a previously sunken bulk carrier. It was brought to the surface on 11 September from a depth of approximately 80 feet. It was subsequently towed to the Colombo Dockyard premises.

The initial phase of the operation, immediately following the incident, focused on search and rescue. A joint effort, involving the Navy, Air Force, Police, and local fishermen from Angulana, helped rescue of 11 crew members. The search and rescue phase drew to a close with the recovery of the remains of the Second in Command of the craft, on 4th September.

Following the search and rescue phase, specialised Navy diving and salvage teams launched a dedicated recovery phase against rough sea conditions and underwater challenges, adhering to strict safety protocols. The Navy’s marine, hull, electrical, and electronic engineering teams utilised specialised technical know-how and equipment to raise the vessel in stages, the Navy said.

Technical support and specialised expertise were also extended by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and Colombo Dockyard PLC.

The salvaged FAC (pic courtesy SLN media)

Advocata Institute presented the institute’s inaugural Freedom Award to Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, recognizing his tireless efforts to further freedom and civic life of Sri Lankan citizens.

Dr. Saravanamuttu ’s journey, which commenced from strong moral roots to academic excellence at the London School of Economics, has consistently guided the nation toward transparency, accountability, and pluralistic liberal democracy.

The award was presented by Dr. Sarath Rajapatirana, Academic Chair of the Advocata Institute at the Asia Liberty Forum which was held in Colombo from September 10-11 in Colombo.

A national impeachment in the 1990’s crisis spurred Dr. Saravanamuttu to return from the United Kingdom and lead the newly founded Centre for Policy Alternatives, championing initiatives that protect civil society, ensure free elections, and confront corruption. He later helped establish Transparency International Sri Lanka (2002), the Platform for Freedom (2009), and earned the inaugural Citizens Peace Award from the National Peace Council (2010). His influence transcended borders, working with international organisations including the Commonwealth, IMF and countless others.

Advocata’s mission is that “economic freedom cannot thrive without a foundation of rule of law, transparent institutions, and protected liberties.” Dr. Saravanamuttu’s work has sought to sustain this foundation, that allows markets, business, and citizens to flourish within a stable, trust-based society.

“This award celebrates a scholar, a policy pioneer, and an architect of accountability,” said the Institute’s Chief Executive Officer, Dhananath Fernando.

“Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu’s legacy embodies our belief that liberty and prosperity must grow together.”

The inaugural Freedom Award ceremony celebrated Dr. Saravanamuttu’s contributions in the context of the Asia Liberty Forum, attended by hundreds of delegates from think tanks across Asia.

The Advocata freedom award will be presented periodically to those who dedicated their lives to the protection and advocacy of civic, economic, political and personal freedom in Sri Lanka.

The handcrafted trophy personifies Advocata as “our advocate”, a secular civic figure standing in defence of liberty. The open book represents knowledge and wisdom, while the raised torch, echoing Liberty, enlightening the world it represents, enlightenment and the light of reason. Together, they symbolize informed advocacy in the service of freedom.