Chancellor suggests solution to avoid clashes

by Ananda KANNANGARA

Chancellor of the Sri Jayawardanapura University, Prof. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera yesterday expressed his displeasure over the Thursday's clash between fellow students at Kelaniya University and said that conducting more student-participation programs in the universities could help eliminate sporadic clashes among student unions and individuals.

Through experience gained from the university by being a Chancellor for several years, Ven. Thera said he understood that there was no other alternative other than conducting such programs in the universities to stop student clashes.

Ven. Thera therefore, proposed to the university authorities to conduct regular get-together functions, cultural and sports events in which all students from different faculties in the same university could take part.

"Unity among students could be tightened further".

The Ven. Thera also said disciplinary inquiry committees which have been set up in all universities have been inactive and urged higher authorities to give the committees adequate powers to handle student affairs.

"That then under no circumstances, the university authorities will have to summon the Police which might create chaos like the incident that happened at the Kelaniya University on Thursday".

Referring to the incident, Ven. Thera further said if the university disciplinary committee was given more powers, the clash between two students of the arts and the science faculties over a minor issue could have been avoided more troubles.

It was reported that about eight students and four police personnel were badly injured and were admitted to hospital. Another group of students were taken into Police custody.