The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I thank the Hon. Member.

¶ 02 This site at Chemmani was first discovered in February 2025. A few days ago the Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam also raised it, so I reviewed the matter.

¶ 03 The cemetery has been in use since the 1970s. During efforts to establish an electrical cremation facility, human remains were uncovered. On 19 February, the Jaffna Police reported the suspected human remains to the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court after initial investigations and statements from cemetery staff and committee members.

¶ 04 1. We are conducting an impartial investigation. This Government has no reason to hide anything; we seek justice and truth. On 20 February 2025, a joint site inspection was conducted by Jaffna Police Crime Division with the Magistrate, the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO), the Consultant Forensic Pathologist and officers from the Office on Missing Persons (OMP). The JMO collected samples and submitted an anthropological report confirming all collected bones, except two samples, were human.

¶ 05 The JMO recommended adopting the PIT method. A budget was prepared and Rs. 2.1 million was allocated on 21 April 2025. Nineteen sets of human remains were discovered, exhumed and preserved as court exhibits. The JMO informed Court that further excavation is needed. On 13 June, the Jaffna High Court requested additional funds; allocation is in process. Phase two is scheduled to begin on 26 June 2025. The site is jointly protected by the local board, police and community, as requested by counsel for the aggrieved party; OMP and police agreed. The investigation is safe and impartial.

¶ 06 2. Kokkuthoduvai: Discovered on 29 June 2023 during water pipe laying by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board; reported under AR/804/23. Remains were carefully removed by experts and sent to the Forensic Medicine Department, University of Jaffna. Expert reports have been submitted to the Mullaitivu Magistrate’s Court; the Court will decide next steps. Over Rs. 15 million requested by the JMO was allocated by our Ministry.

¶ 07 3 & 4. Mandaitivu mass grave: OMP is an observer; investigations are by court, police and forensic authorities. Allegations state children and youths taken in 1990 are buried there, and mothers seek truth. OMP currently observes 14 sites. However, for this specific site there is no police complaint or court order — only hearsay. OMP acts on formal complaints and court orders; we do not initiate investigations without credible information. Once solid information or a police complaint is received, investigations can begin; we are willing.

¶ 08 5. Thiruketheeswaram (Mannar), Case No. B 768/2013: Remains were removed by experts and are in JMO custody for further forensic examination. The JMO has requested to send samples for radiocarbon dating, recommending Florida, USA; USD 3,875 requested. The court-prepared budget was approved by the Ministry of Justice. The court has instructed that an international procurement process be adopted to ensure chain of custody, transparency and accountability. Further court orders are awaited.

¶ 09 In conclusion, we are carrying out impartial investigations. We understand the pain of families. We cannot act on hearsay; we need solid information. We will continue our engagement and assist to heal wounds and bring closure.