Talks to defuse tense situation at Kelaniya varsity

by Ananda KANNANGARA

Higher Education Minister Prof. Visva Warnapala yesterday directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) and officials of the Kelaniya University to initiate discussions between students and residents living in the outskirts of the Kelaniya University to defuse the tense situation, following the clash that took place opposite the University premises on Thursday.

“If the University authorities do not take measures to summon both parties involved in the clash at this juncture, the matter would become worse and it will hamper the educational activities of students in the future,” He said a close rapport between the students and neighbours is vital to stop such ugly incidents.

Recalling his days at the Peradeniya University, Prof. Warnapala said students at that time closely associated with people living in the University environs when organising various social activities.

“The villagers helped us in numerous ways,” he said.

Asked why students in the medical faculties of all universities hardly take part in protest campaigns Prof. Warnapala said that those students were professionally oriented.

He also said that 68 percent of the students in local universities come from lower and middle class families and the majority of these students get involved in various ugly incidents in universities, especially with the backing of certain political elements.

He said if such incidents continue Sri Lankan universities, which were ranked among the best in Asia, will be in the doldrums due to the behaviour of such students.

Prof. Warnapala said many students are encouraged by political elements who are among the university students to conduct protest campaigns to achieve their demands over trivial issues.