The University of Kelaniya will remain closed indefinitely following violent clashes on campus last Wednesday between rival student groups. Several students were wounded in the incident, and at least three persons are in critical condition in the National Hospital and the Ragama Hospital.
The clash occurred between the Students’ Union and the Science Faculty Union of the Kelaniya University.
Doctors at the National Hospital who had to put in 26 stitches to sew up a slash wound on a second-year science student said the victim’s vision could be permanently affected by the injury. Two Arts Faculty students who were stabbed and stoned are receiving treatment at the Ragama Hospital and the National Hospital. One student was stabbed in the chest and his condition is said to be precarious.
Speaking to The Sunday Times, Kelaniya University Students’ Union secretary Madapatha Suseema Thera said a dispute arose when a group of Science Faculty students was alleged to have tried to “sabotage” a film festival organised by the Students’ Union.
According to the Student Union secretary, the police have acted in a “partial” way regarding the incident.
He said a group of Arts Faculty students were in remand after being arrested over ragging incidents at the Kelaniya campus some weeks ago, and that the case was pending in the Magistrate’s Court.
However, two Science Faculty students who were arrested after last Wednesday’s clash were released the same day.
Madapatha Suseema Thera also rejected allegations that Professor Nalin de Silva, dean of the Science Faculty, had been threatened by Students’ Union leaders. “If there had been threats, then the dean should have complained to the police,” he said.
Chaminda Edirisooriya, officer-in-charge at the Kiribathgoda Police Station, said a police post has been opened on the university premises and that the situation on the campus was under control. |
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