The government thoroughly condemns this incident. The university authorities said that they will take disciplinary action against students engaged in violence and the government is bound to maintain peace in university and to assure the security of students. Police investigations are in progress. The police said that the legal action in this regard will be duly implemented.
Although some groups try to interpret the incident as a communal conflict, it was only a conflict between two groups of students. However, the violent behaviour of students is thoroughly condemned by the government.
About 7000 students of various ethnic groups and religions have studied in the University of Jaffna in mutual cooperation within the past six years.
They have acted in cooperation in events related to Sinhala and Tamil religious and cultural ceremonies such as Deepavali and Vesak. Moreover, many of the Sinhala students reside in houses of Tamil people.
The incident occurred on last Saturday was due to an argument between two groups of students that have developed into a conflict during a ceremony held to welcome new students enrolled to the university.
The government appreciates most of main stream media institutions that have reported this incident with responsibility and the social media should also report such events in a responsible manner.
It is also appreciable the way the police has acted unarmed to settle the dispute.
Condemnation of the unfortunate violent incident by university community, university authorities, students' unions, and political parties including Tamil National Alliance should also be appreciated. The government admires student community and university authorities of other universities for preventing any tense situation being occurred within those universities due to the conflict in Jaffna University.
The government is taking steps to consult with key parties including the two groups of students to affirm peace and reconciliation within the university. The assistance of the ministries and institutions related to peace and coexistence are being obtained in this regard
