Obstruction of Higher Education Minister:

Four students detained

Samanthie WEERASEKERA

Kandy Magistrate Lalith Ekanayake ordered to detain four university students who allegedly obstructed Education Minister S B Dissanayake at Peradeniya University, till October 7. The Magistrate issuing the order said he believed university students are more intelligent than the public and they should be aware of the importance of university education.

Appearing for the suspect students, Attorney-at-Law Saman Thanthirige said the students did not attempt to take the Minister into custody but only launched a peaceful demonstration. The Magistrate also directed Peradeniya OIC Chief Inspector Upali Naranpanawa to record the students' statements and informed prison authorities to provide the police officer facilities to record statements.