EDITORIAL, LANKADEEPA

Violence at Sri Jayawardenepura univesity is

a disgrace to intellectuality

The University of Sri Jayawardenepura has been closed until further notice.
This is indeed a loss to the students as well to the nation. A clash between
two university Student factions had led to this closure. About 12 students
and some lecturers have sustained injuries due to this incident. Although
steps were taken by the Vice Chancellor and other authorities to bring the
situation under control they failed. According to a report published yesterday
there seemed to be blessings of a political party in instigating the violence at
the university. There are allegations that some Student Trade Unions want
the University to be closed to take advantage at the Student Union election.
Students of a particular group say that they are unable to recruit members
to their party as another group had campaigned for the abolition of ragging
from the university system. We are unable to conclude the causes, however

The university
students are from higher intellectual plane, therefore this
kind of behaviour cannot be justified by any means.
we believe the matter should be investigated.

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EDITORIAL, DAILY MIRROR

Campuses erupt again
Our universities have been quite functioning for some time giving the public
the impression that their staff and students had at least realised the
importance of their academic roles. Unfortunately they have once again
burst into public focus within savoury goings-on reported from some of
them. Peradeniya University students have boycotted lectures on Tuesday,
protesting against the suspension of 41 students who were found guilty of
ragging. The Sri Jayawardenepura University meanwhile was closed and
students were asked to vacate the premises, following a clash between two
groups of students. In Peradeniya over 3000 students including some 50
bhikkus who marched to the University, have said that the suspension of 41

students was unfair. Accusations of this nature against management of

institutions of this country are not uncommon. Have the students made
proper representations to the university authorities giving reasons why they

The university
students, being of a higher intellectual plane, are
expected to follow prudent and decent practices
and procedures, which they have apparently not.
claim that the punishment given was unfair?