Premachandran calls for immediate DNA testing of Chemmani remains
The Democratic Tamil National Alliance media spokesperson ex-MP Suresh Premachandran has called on the government to begin investigations into the skeletal remains recovered from the alleged mass grave at Chemmani, in accordance with international standards and with the assistance of international organisations. Addressing the media, Premachandran noted that more than 500 sets of skeletal remains…
Democratic Tamil National Alliance spokesperson Suresh Premachandran has urged the government to initiate immediate DNA testing on the skeletal remains found at Chemmani, a mass grave site, according to international protocols and with the help of global organizations. Addressing the press, Premachandran pointed out that over 500 sets of skeletal remains have been unearthed, and despite this, excavation has persisted for more than 100 days.
He expressed doubt that the government has taken any significant steps forward, stating that no such measures have been set in motion. The DNA testing of the recovered remains has not yet taken place, he emphasized. By collecting DNA samples from the families of those who went missing during the conflict, it would be feasible to ascertain if the remains belong to the missing individuals.
Premachandran recognized that Sri Lanka lacks the necessary technological infrastructure and forensic expertise to conduct thorough DNA examinations. Therefore, he proposed that the investigation should be entrusted to international institutions with the requisite scientific and forensic expertise. All investigations and forensic studies, he asserted, should be conducted in line with internationally recognized legal and investigative standards.
He appealed to civil society organizations, human rights groups, entities advocating for democratic values, and international human rights organizations to acknowledge that the likelihood of completing such a complex investigation solely within Sri Lanka is exceedingly slim. The government should not delay the investigative process until all remaining skeletal remains are unearthed, he added.
Investigations into those already exhumed should commence immediately. These claims come as the excavation, now surpassing its 102nd day, has identified 524 sets of human remains, with 513 having been fully exhumed, making Chemmani the largest mass grave discovered on the island. Forensic experts at the site have highlighted that exhumation is merely the preliminary stage, with further forensic examination needed to determine age, gender, and potential cause of death before DNA analysis and identification can proceed.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
