“The Unspoken Horrors: The Semmani Mass Human Fossil Graves and the Ongoing Struggle for Justice”

Eelaththu Nilavan | Semmani, Jaffna, Tamileelam –

Introduction

The issue of mass graves and forced disappearances in Sri Lanka has long remained a contentious and painful chapter in the island nation’s history. In particular, the Semmanni mass grave, located in the Jaffna District, has become a symbol of the atrocities committed against the Tamil population during the Sri Lankan Civil War. The discovery of numerous mass graves and the continued lack of accountability for these crimes raises questions about the Sri Lankan state’s willingness to address its past, especially about the Tamil genocide.

■.The Context of the Semmanni Mass Graves

During the height of the conflict in the 1980s and early 1990s, numerous Tamil civilians were subjected to extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detention. Under the command of high-ranking officers, the Sri Lankan military’s involvement in these actions further complicated the search for justice. In Semmanni, hundreds of innocent Tamil civilians were reportedly murdered and buried in mass graves. These acts of violence were carried out by military personnel, including key figures such as Brigadier Sri Lal Veerasuriya, Major General Janak Perera, and Major General Duminda Keppitiyalanna.

■.Key Figures Involved in the Semmanni Atrocities

● Brigadier Sri Lal Veerasuriya: At the time, he was stationed as the Army Commander in Jaffna. Severe military crackdowns on Tamil civilians marked his leadership. Despite widespread allegations of human rights violations, he was later appointed as the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Pakistan.

● Major General Janak Perera: A central figure in Sri Lanka’s military structure, Perera was involved in overseeing military operations in regions like Semmanni. His role in the atrocities committed during the civil war has not been fully addressed by the Sri Lankan government. Later, he was appointed as the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Australia, illustrating the ongoing impunity for military leaders.

● Major General Duminda Keppitiyalanna: A close ally of Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Keppitiyalanna’s involvement in human rights abuses, particularly in overseeing military operations in the Semmanni region, has remained under the radar. He later rose in rank, receiving further governmental privileges.

● Lieutenant Shashinda Thudugala: The officer in charge of overseeing the military checkpoints during the Semmanni atrocities, Lieutenant Thudugala’s direct involvement in these violations illustrates the extensive military operation involved in the systematic killings and cover-up efforts.

■.The Enormity of the Crimes

The scale of the atrocities in Semmanni and other regions was shocking. Allegedly, over 400-600 Tamil civilians were executed, and their bodies were buried in mass graves. Those involved in the mass killings included not only military personnel but also police officers, who were complicit in concealing the truth.

Somaratna Rajapaksa, a known figure associated with these mass graves, allegedly identified various soldiers and officers involved in the killings. The military’s efforts to shield those responsible, even as investigations were underway, highlight the lengths to which the Sri Lankan state went to protect perpetrators.

■.The Lack of Accountability and the Struggle for Justice

Despite clear evidence linking high-ranking officials to the Semmanni mass graves, there has been a systematic cover-up. The investigation into the mass graves was transferred to Colombo, and those involved were granted bail, with no real consequences. The legal proceedings have been stalled for decades, and the government’s lack of political will to hold military officials accountable has led to widespread frustration among the Tamil population.

Post-Conflict Appointments: Instead of holding accountable those responsible for the atrocities, successive Sri Lankan governments rewarded them with high-ranking positions. Brigadier Sri Lal Veerasuriya was appointed as the Ambassador to Pakistan, Major General Janak Perera was made Ambassador to Australia, and Major General Duminda Keppitiyalanna received a promotion and was appointed as the Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army.

The Role of Local Police: Local police officers such as Priyadarshan, Abdul Hamid, and Samarasinghe were also implicated in the crimes, further revealing the depth of the systemic corruption and the role of the state apparatus in perpetuating these human rights violations.

■.The Discovery of Other Mass Graves in Sri Lanka

The Semmanni mass grave is part of a larger pattern of mass graves discovered in other parts of the country, particularly in Tamil-majority regions. Some notable locations where such graves have been discovered include:

︎ Jaffna (Duraiyappa Stadium, Semmanni)

︎ Kilinochchi (Mirusuvil)

︎ Mullaitivu (Puthukudiyiruppu, Mullaitivu)

︎ Mannar (Thirukkethiswaram, Mannar Town)

︎ Kandy (Angumpura). These discoveries only underscore the magnitude of the genocide carried out against the Tamil population.

■.The Political and Legal Aftermath

For over 26 years, there has been no meaningful judicial investigation into the crimes of the civil war. The Tamil community, particularly families of the victims, continues to demand justice, but successive Sri Lankan governments have either ignored or actively suppressed these calls.

International Pressure: While there have been calls for international intervention, including by the UN and international human rights organizations, the Sri Lankan government has maintained a stance of denial, often claiming that such crimes were part of the broader context of the civil war and cannot be isolated from the conflict.

Impunity for Perpetrators: The lack of accountability is evident in the fact that many of those implicated in the Semmanni killings continue to hold significant political and military power, which further complicates efforts to seek justice.

■.The Current State of Affairs

Even in the current political landscape, where there have been some signs of reconciliation, the Tamil population remains disillusioned by the lack of tangible results in terms of accountability for the crimes committed. Key officials involved in the cover-up have faced no real consequences, and political figures like Mahinda Rajapaksa have ensured that individuals such as Major General Janak Perera and Major General Duminda Keppitiyalanna are placed in prestigious diplomatic roles.

The government has continuously evaded the issue, and international bodies have failed to hold Sri Lanka accountable for war crimes and human rights violations.

■.Conclusion: The Struggle for Truth and Justice

The case of the Semmanni mass grave is not an isolated incident but a representation of the larger systemic issues surrounding human rights abuses in Sri Lanka. The continued denial and lack of accountability speak to a deep-rooted culture of impunity that has allowed perpetrators to walk free while the victims’ families suffer in silence. The demand for justice for the Tamil people, especially those affected by the atrocities of the civil war, must remain at the forefront of the international agenda until true reconciliation and justice are achieved.