No Racism But Cultural Conflict in Jaffna University Clash

New students are annually received in Jaffna University with Traditional Nathaswaram and drum orchestra. During this year Sinhala students brought Kandyan dancers to receive new students. There are a few communal minded students on both sides. Due to some misunderstanding  resulted in  clash between two groups of students of Jaffna University two days ago. Prime Minister has discuss this matter with the TNA MPs to defuse the tension and bring peace in Jaffna University .
In the meantime Vice Chancellor of  Jaffna University Professor Vasanthi Ariyaradnam, Faculty Deans, and student leaders met, discussed the issue  and appointed a committee to find out the root cause and take remedial measures.
 But this  problem has now been resolved, said  the area’s DIG Sanjeewa Dharmaratne. Four students injured in the incident were discharged by hospital yesterday (17).

Meanwhile, Minister Lakshman Kiriella who was   abroad  said racism did not play any role in the clash, and that such incidents are common in universities .Every community has racists among them, he noted.

The university remains closed since yesterday and a day for its reopening will be decided in consultation with all the parties concerned, he says.

However, the TNA noted as a result of  this type incident may affect the reconciliation effort now taken.

Condemning the incident, the party urges students in a statement to ensure that there are no repetitions in the future.