UK voices deep concern over Chemmani mass grave

• Remains committed to supporting accountability for human rights violations

By Sunil Jayasiri

The UK Government has expressed deep concern over the recent discovery of a mass grave in Chemmani, Sri Lanka, and is urging for accountability in connection with past human rights violations in the country.  
In response to a written question raised by a Parliamentarian regarding the UK’s position on supporting an independent UN-led investigation into the Chemmani site — including exhumations, forensic analysis, and victim-centred consultations — Catherine West, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, confirmed the UK’s active engagement on the issue.  
“The UK Government remains committed to supporting accountability for human rights violations,” West said. “We regularly meet with the Government of Sri Lanka to discuss reconciliation and accountability, with a particular focus on enforced disappearances.”  
West noted that she visited Sri Lanka in January, where she met key stakeholders including the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, civil society representatives, and political leaders from the northern region to directly address concerns related to human rights.  
She emphasized that officials at the British High Commission in Colombo maintain close contact with families of the disappeared from across the country and have consistently raised these concerns with Sri Lankan authorities.