Written question asked by Ed Davey (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 28 April 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 May 1999. It was answered by Derek Fatchett (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 May 1999 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received from his officials in Sri Lanka about mass graves at Chemanni and at the Jaffna football stadium; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received from his officials in Sri Lanka about mass graves at Chemanni and at the Jaffna football stadium; and if he will make a statement. [83125] Mr. Fatchett: We are deeply concerned about reports that several hundred bodies of people who "disappeared" in army custody in 1996-97 may be in a mass grave at Chemmani in Jaffna. I raised this subject with the Sri Lankan authorities while I was in Colombo in November last year. Our High Commissioner in Colombo has pressed on numerous occasions for a prompt and thorough investigation. The magisterial inquiry into the mass graves will reconvene in mid-June. We are aware of reports that a further mass grave was uncovered at the Duraiyappah football stadium in Jaffna in March. A preliminary investigation of the site took place on 7 April. We understand that further excavations will take place on 14 May. We will continue to monitor events closely.

Secondary information