Excavation efforts at a mass grave near the Chemmani Sittupattu cemetery in Jaffna have unearthed the remains of 166 human bodies. 

Excavation officials have stated that the fifth phase of the operation is scheduled to continue until 7 September, guided by scan reports of the site.

The excavation is being conducted by a team of experts under the supervision of Jaffna Magistrate A.A. Anandaraja. 

The team includes Senior Professor of Archaeology Raj Somadeva of the University of Kelaniya and Dr. Selliah Pirananavan, a forensic medical specialist from the University of Jaffna.

The bones and other items recovered from the site have been placed under the custody of Dr. Selliah Pirananavan, as per the orders of the Jaffna Magistrate's Court.

The mass grave was first discovered on 20 February by a work crew during a development project at the cemetery. 

Following the discovery, development officials informed the Jaffna Police, who then secured a court order to begin excavation after the rainy season concluded.