PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(7 September 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to the Government of Sri Lanka on the involvement of international forensic experts in the excavation, preservation and identification of human remains recovered from the Chemmani mass graves.

Asked by:
Gareth Thomas (Labour)

The UK is closely monitoring developments relating to the Chemmani mass graves and continues to engage the Sri Lankan authorities on the importance of a credible, transparent investigation that meets international standards, including robust forensic safeguards and meaningful engagement with affected families. We have encouraged consideration of international assistance as excavations continue.

We regularly raise issues of accountability, reconciliation and enforced disappearances with the Government of Sri Lanka. The former Foreign Secretary discussed these issues with the Sri Lankan Prime Minister during her visit to the UK in May, while the previous Deputy Prime Minister did so during his visit to Sri Lanka in February 2026. Most recently, our British High Commissioner discussed enforced disappearances with Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and met families of the missing in Jaffna.

The UK remains committed to supporting truth, justice and accountability through our leadership of the Core Group on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council and support for ongoing UN accountability mechanisms.

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