Police fire tear gas to break up university clash

Manjula FERNANDO

COLOMBO: The Police riot squad was called to the Colombo University's Arts Faculty yesterday, to disperse unruly supporters of two student fractions contesting yesterday's Student Council elections.

The riot squad used tear gas on the mob to stop them from attacking each other and prevent a major clash. The university heads declared the Arts Faculty premises out of bounds for students from last afternoon.

"We averted major incidents because the police arrived in time to disperse the unruly students. They were a big support," University Registrar V.S. Sivalingam said.

Some supporters had thrown stones and attempted to attack their rivals from the opposite group when polling agents of one the groups failed to turn up at the election leading to a heated argument over the issue.

Three students who sustained minor injuries in the melee, when the police used tear gas, was taken to the Colombo National hospital for OPD treatment.

"We have made the university out of bounds for Arts students since 1.00 pm yesterday," Dean of the Arts Faculty Prof. Senanayake said adding that this will only be effective for Friday because the University was to be closed for Avurudu holidays starting from today till April 17.

Contacted by the Daily News, a National Hospital spokesperson confirmed three students of the Colombo University arrived for OPD treatment around 1.30pm. The Student council election has been postponed indefinitely.