Ruhunu University students take lecturers in hostage

Chaminda PERERA

A group of students of the Ruhuna University yesterday held hostage over 25 lecturers including Vice Chancellor Prof Susarith Mendis in the administrative complex for eight hours. They were later rescued by Matara Police.

Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Gamini Senanayake, Registrar Senani Kalugama and Dean of the Social Science and Humanities Faculty Prof Ranaweera Bandara were among those held by the students. A lecturer who wished to remain anonymous said the students went to the university canteen and other buildings after police intervened. The university administration issued a final notice to vacate the university premises or face forcible removal.

According to a Student Union official, the students who were drawing posters for an upcoming musical show were attacked by few residents. Several persons who broke open the door of the Union office began assaulting the students.

He said two students with cut injuries were admitted to the Matara General Hospital and the members of the academia in the university were held up in protest of their failure to take action, he added.