• Also cites evidence of formal burial rights being observed 

The Chemmani mass grave located in Jaffna may have resulted from an infectious disease outbreak or a natural disaster, and the site also contains some significant evidence suggesting that formal burial rites may have been observed, according to an interim report by an archaeologist involved in the Chemmani excavation, Professor Raj Somadeva.

The archaeological expert overseeing the excavation and exhumation of human remains at the Chemmani mass grave, Prof Somadeva examines the archaeological context of the remains and documents findings relevant to the investigation. He submitted his report to the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court (MC) on Monday (19). The report was an expert archaeological assessment and not the final determination of how or why the people buried there died.

Some of the key findings of the report are that the Chemmani mass grave exhibits notable differences from controversial mass graves documented in various parts of the world. In particular, it shows specific similarities to burial contexts in which the deceased were laid to rest in an orderly manner. 

The high concentration of human remains, however, does not conclusively establish the circumstances under which the bodies were buried. The report states that the necessary supporting evidence to determine those circumstances with accuracy has not been identified. 

The large number of skeletal remains recovered from the Chemmani mass grave may be attributable to an infectious disease outbreak or a natural disaster. Such circumstances may have necessitated the rapid disposal of bodies rather than the observance of conventional burial practices. This may also explain why only a limited number of objects typically associated with funeral rites have been recovered. However, some of the evidence uncovered so far indicates that formal burial rites may have taken place at the site. 

Explaining why no clothes were found, the report stated that there was no evidence of clothing directly preserved in association with the skeletal remains found among the human skeletons excavated at Chemmani. However, the absence of surviving textile remains should not be interpreted as proof that the deceased were buried without clothing. Organic materials, including fabrics, can deteriorate under unfavourable burial conditions. Their preservation is significantly influenced by the physical and chemical properties of the surrounding soil, moisture levels, microbial activity and the length of time that they have remained buried. In some instances, buttons, buttonhole rings and small metal fasteners used in clothing were recovered from locations associated with human skeletal remains. These findings provide evidence supporting the possibility that at least some individuals were wearing clothes when they were buried. Therefore, the absence of preserved textile remains at Chemmani should not be regarded as conclusive evidence that the deceased were unclothed at the time of burial. Rather, it should be understood as an archaeological observation that may have resulted from the deterioration of materials over time, the report states.