Inclusion and Consultation of the Tamil Community in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka in India-Sri Lanka Development Projects (2024-2025) Introduction The period of 2024-2025 has marked an intensified phase in India-Sri Lanka relations, manifesting in an unprecedented number of bilateral development agreements and infrastructure initiatives. Central to the debate about the impact and legitimacy of these development efforts is the extent to which the Tamil community in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern Provinces has been genuinely consulted or included in the planning, negotiation, and implementation of such projects. This question is especially germane given the contested legacy of conflict, ongoing land disputes, and persistent calls for Tamil self-determination, alongside India's rhetorical and practical involvement in post-war Sri Lankan reconciliation and development. This report critically explores the degree and quality of Tamil consultation in key Indian-backed proje...

Executive Summary Since the September 18, 2025 hearing, no further excavation has resumed at the Chemmani site. The Judicial Medical Officer’s eight-week extension request remains pending, and the Justice Ministry has not allocated the necessary funds. Civil society and human rights organizations continue to call for immediate disbursement to prevent irreversible loss of forensic evidence and alleviate survivors’ anguish. The Justice Ministry’s formal response is expected in early October 2025, while stakeholders prepare shadow reports and follow-up submissions to the UNHRC to sustain international pressure. Background Court-mandated excavations at Chemmani began in mid-May 2025 under judicial supervision after skeletal remains were discovered on February 13. By September 8, forensic teams had unearthed 240 complete skeletal remains and recovered 14 piles of bones along with child-related artifacts such as feeding bottles, toys, and shoes. The excavation pit expanded to app...