Mental Health Aid Urged for Chemmani Families – Lawyer Poorani

In a historic move, the Chemmani–Siththupathi mass grave site in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, has been officially declared a crime scene, marking the first time such a designation has been made during an excavation. As part of the ongoing forensic investigation, over 50 personal items, including children’s toys, school bags, and footwear, have been recovered alongside human skeletal remains. These items will be publicly displayed on August 5 today from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM, with priority given to families of the disappeared.

Attorney Poorani Joseph Maryanayagam, representing the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), emphasized the urgent need for psychological counseling for affected individuals who may be traumatized upon identifying personal belongings of their missing loved ones. She stated that the OMP had formally requested the court to ensure the presence of mental health professionals and medical support during the identification process, especially for those experiencing emotional distress.

The Jaffna Magistrate has acknowledged the importance of this request and agreed to consider measures that would ease the experience for grieving families. The OMP also recommended that female officers and Tamil-speaking staff be present at the site to provide culturally sensitive assistance. Furthermore, they proposed that photographs of the recovered items be displayed to help with identification and to raise public awareness.

However, the court has denied permission for media personnel to photograph or record the reactions of families during the viewing. The OMP expressed that holding the display in a more accessible public location and sharing detailed information with the community would enhance transparency and engagement. The Chemmani excavation continues to uncover evidence of Sri Lanka’s troubled past, with calls for justice and accountability growing louder

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