TNA ‘deeply shocked’ by Jaffna uni clashes; invites evacuated students to return

The main Opposition Tamil National Alliance has expressed deep shock over the student clashes that rocked Jaffna University last weekend and invited students who had been evacuated from the campus as a precautionary measure to return.

“We urge other students who remain to welcome them and assure them of their safety as they resume their studies,” the TNA said in a statement issued on Sunday (17) night.

The clashes, which erupted over a dance performance at a welcome ceremony for new students, forced the closure of the Science Faculty, while STF escorted buses of students from outside Jaffna back to their hometowns on Saturday night.

“We regret that several students have sustained injuries and that the Sinhala students had to be evacuated from the university and Jaffna as a precautionary measure,” the TNA statement said. 

The country’s main Tamil party also appealed to all students not to permit any recurrence of such incidents or anything that will hinder genuine reconciliation amongst communities in Sri Lanka.

“We call upon the students and the authorities to work together in creating the right conditions for students from different backgrounds to live and study together in the University of Jaffna in the future,” the TNA statement said. (DB)