Catholic Bishops call for impartial probe into Chemmani mass graves
COLOMBO ‒ The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka (CBCSL) has called for impartial investigations into mass graves discovered in Jaffna, stressing that the long-running excavation at the Chemmani mass grave site must be completed to ensure truth and accountability.
The call was made in a statement issued following the CBCSL’s plenary session held from August 18 to 20, 2026, during which the Bishops discussed several issues concerning justice, peace and reconciliation in the country.
While welcoming recent government measures aimed at promoting equality and justice, the Bishops said particular attention had been given to a number of issues affecting communities in the North, including the Chemmani mass graves and proposed development activities in Mannar.
The Conference said the excavation work at Chemmani, which has continued over an extended period, must be brought to completion, emphasizing the urgent need for impartial investigations into the findings.
The Bishops stressed that the process was essential to establishing the truth and ensuring accountability in relation to alleged crimes linked to the Chemmani mass graves.
The CBCSL also noted the need to address serious violations and killings that occurred during Sri Lanka’s nearly three-decade-long internal armed conflict, as well as acts of terrorism that preceded and took place during the period.
The Bishops also welcomed the government’s recent increase in wages for plantation workers, describing it as a positive step in addressing a long-standing demand of a community that has made a significant contribution to the country’s economy. The noted the CBCSL head submitted a request to the President on the issue in August last year.
Also raised as issues of concern at the Sessions were the potential environmental impact of development and extraction activities in Mannar, including sand mining and reported explorations related to fuel and gas resources.
While acknowledging that such projects could contribute to economic growth, the CBCSL said authorities had a responsibility to conduct transparent and proper environmental impact assessments and ensure that the public was adequately informed.
The Conference further stressed that the views of communities living in affected areas must be obtained through proper consultations before development projects are undertaken.
“While safeguarding the rights and dignity of the people, such activities must not adversely affect the livelihoods and water resources of the Mannar fishing community,” the statement said.
The CBCSL also said it had discussed the proposed wind-power electricity generation project in Mannar, highlighting the importance of balancing development objectives with environmental protection and the rights and livelihoods of local communities.
-ENCL
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