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MPs condemn campus violence, urge tough action

by Jayantha Sri Nissanka and Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

Initial Police investigations have revealed that members of the Inter- University Students Federation had been directly involved in the killing of the Sri Jayawardenapura university student Ovitigala Vithanage Samantha, Interior Minister John Amaratunga told Parliament yesterday.

"I don't like to mention here the political party they are affiliated to. I hope this would not be an omen of a third uprising. If so, we will take every possible action to control it," he added.

Responding to an adjournment motion moved by UNP MP Hemakumara Nanayakkara, the Minister said 10 more students are to be arrested.

"As both the PA and the JVP had urged tough action on this, I can give you the names of those to be arrested and if you know their whereabouts please inform Police."

"Police investigations have revealed that people who masterminded this attack had even planned to attack the surrounding villages if villagers re-acted to the incident," he added.

The Minister added that Police are very alert and under instructions to bring those responsible to book.

Moving the motion, UNP MP Hemakumara Nanayakkara urged tough action against those responsible for this brutal attack. "Unseen forces behind this attack should also be disclosed."

PA MP Chandara Kathriarachchi said he was shocked to hear about this death as the family of the deceased student has been his close friends. "We in the PA condemn this attack and those responsible should be punished."

JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said: "We condemn this incident and request action to arrest those responsible. We extend our support for the investigations."

MPs formed a Forum Against Terror and Violence at the Parliamentary Complex yesterday. They condemned the attack and pledged to cooperate with the Government to bring the culprits before the law.

Convener and UNP MP Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena invited MPs of all parties to join this organisation. MPs representing the UNP and the PA gathered at the meeting while JVP MPs joined at the tail-end of the meeting.

PA MP Chandana Kathriarachchi emphasised that the JVP should prove they had no involvement in the killing of the university student.

JVP MP Bimal Ratnayake vehemently denied the accusation and said that the party fully supported the police investigation. 

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