Ranil backs JVP, demands probe * Goon attack on Ruhuna students

 

By Saman Indrajith-June 5, 2014,

Opposition and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday told Parliament that some politicians including parliamentarians had led a mob which attacked undergraduates of the Ruhuna University. He demanded an investigation into the incident.

 "We have seen JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva display some pictures of that incident. Some government politicians were captured in those photographs leading a mob that attacked the students and teachers of the Ruhuna University. I demand to know what action the government will take against those politicians."

Text of the Opposition Leader’s special statement: "A mob blocked the entrance and the exit of the University of Ruhuna and disturbed its functions with the connivance of some politicians of the area. They entered the University on 02.06.2014, and had attacked its students on the pretext of requesting that the Deyata Kirula Exhibition be held in the university premises. Further they did not even allow the evacuation of students injured in the attack. The gang also abused the lecturers entering and leaving the university premises in filth and threatened them. The mob caused damage to their vehicles. As usual, the police took no action. The victims were sent out in buses and four faculties in the Wellamadama premises remain closed indefinitely.

I expect a statement from the Prime Minister on the terror spread throughout the area around Wellamadama Complex of the University of Ruhuna. I also expect him to include the following in that statement: (1) legal action taken against the gang that entered the premises of the University of Ruhuna and attacked the students (2) legal action taken against those who insulted the university lecturers and damaged their vehicles (3) security measures to be taken to ensure early re-opening of the university and the continuation of academic work without fear and uncertainty among students and lecturers (4) steps to be taken to ensure the safety of the students residing in the university and its vicinity and (5) steps to be taken to maintain law and order to ensure that such incidents will not recur.

Leader of the House Irrigation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said that the government would make a statement on the issue on Friday (06).