English Speaking Int’l School students provoke wrath of undergrads

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE

A group of students of an International S chool in Panadura were assaulted by a gang of Sabaragamuwa University students on Monday.

The group comprising 18 female and 12 male students of the International School visited the Sabaragamuwa University on Monday aiming to participate in a tree planting programme. When the students were at a canteen of the Sabaragamuwa University, they were surrounded by a group of university students.

It has been revealed that the university students’ gang consisted of around 70 students, were armed with clubs. According to International School sources, the school students were severely assaulted by the university students for no clear reason using clubs. Due to the attack several school children were injured and received medical treatment.

An injured student speaking to the Daily News said they noticed that the university students were envious of their group speaking in English. “The International School students are used to speaking in English during their visits and this might be the reason for the attack, “ he noted.

The International School will take further action regarding the attack after holding a Parent-Teachers meeting on Friday. A mother of an injured student said that parents were advised not to lodge complaints with the Police until the school takes a decision after the meeting on Friday.

When the Daily News contacted a Sabaraganmuwa University student, he refrained from commenting on the attack.