ITAK accuses Justice Minister of double standards over Chemmani mass grave

ITAK MP S. Shritharan criticized Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara for perceived double standards concerning mass killings in the country. Nanayakkara referred to the Sooriyande massacre in the South but ignored the Chemmani incident as a mass killing. Shritharan visited the Chemmani mass grave in Jaffna and argued that the Minister shouldn't present a fabricated narrative that could mislead the public.

He emphasized the need to investigate the Chemmani killings due to the large number of people who disappeared in Jaffna between 1995 and 2001, totaling over 1,000. Shritharan referred to evidence from former Sri Lankan Army officer Somaratne Rajapaksa's testimony in the Krishanthi Kumaraswamy murder case, who spoke about alleged mass burial sites.

He urged the government to allow Rajapaksa to be taken to the identified locations for excavations, which could help establish the truth. Shritharan also appealed to the government not to divert attention by attributing remains to former militant groups or portraying recoveries as unrelated incidents. He highlighted that 552 skeletal remains were recovered during 105 days of excavation at Chemmani, and the number could increase as work continues.

The MP called for an international investigation, urging the government to allow international experts to participate in both excavation and related investigations. Shritharan expressed concern over the excavation pace, which is expected to be suspended due to lack of funds. He appealed to international organizations and governments, including the European Union, Canada, the United States, and human rights organizations, to provide financial assistance for a full investigation.