Domestic mechanisms enough for Chemmani says govt. member

Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep stated at a press conference that domestic mechanisms are sufficient for the Chemmani mass grave investigation. Tamil families, politicians, and international legislators have been pushing for an independent international inquiry. However, the Deputy Minister insists that the investigation is being conducted honestly and that domestic mechanisms are adequate for the task.

He emphasized that work not done by previous governments is being undertaken now. The Deputy Minister claimed that this is the first time in the country's history that people of all communities have placed their trust in the government and the courts, leading to a commitment to ensure justice for all injustices. Despite the Deputy Minister's claim, an interim report from the archaeologist overseeing the dig suggested that the burials may have resulted from an epidemic or natural disaster, rather than unlawful killings, contradicting the evidence presented.

Tamil families of the disappeared, as well as Tamil parliamentarians and others, have consistently rejected the notion that Sri Lankan institutions can provide accountability for the Chemmani mass graves. Some have called for an immediate international investigation, while others have accused the government of concealing the truth.

Previous commissions of inquiry into mass graves and enforced disappearances have failed to result in any prosecutions.