LEARN A LESSON FROM THE IMMEDIATE PAST

The Dhamma-sāmaggi Sansadaya has called on the entire student body of the University of Jaffna and also the administrative authorities of the university to learn a lesson from the immediate past, acting with due circumspection and unity, without getting caught to any undercurrent that resents national unity and development of this land. In an open letter to the student body and the administrative authorities of the Jaffna University the Dhamma-sāmaggi Sansadaya called upon all groups not to disrupt the peaceful co-existence seen in other universities where Sinhala students along with Tamil and Muslim students live with mutual understanding and camaraderie. The full text of the letter: “The Sinhala-tamil student conflict that occurred at the University of Jaffna on 16th of July relating to an item in a

We urge, therefore, that the Government and the Governing Council of the Jaffna University should hold discussions immediately

cultural event organised by the university students to welcome the new intake of freshers to the university has saddened everyone who are aspiring to promote concord and co-existence in Sri Lanka.

“After the ending of the war, the peaceful, innocent, ordinary citizens looked on with great expectations and glee the dawn of a peaceful country, with the blooming of deep understanding and camaraderie in the hearts of everyone. “However, a conflicting and problematic situation has arisen as of today, which is inimical to peaceful co-existence, due to the machinations of an external extremist group. “We urge, therefore, that the Government and the Governing Council of the Jaffna University should hold discussions immediately and find a long term solution for the nonoccurrence of similar incidents in the future.

“Furthermore, we wish to call upon all stakeholders not to think of the universities on communal lines as Sinhala-tamil-muslim because of their location, but develop them as training grounds to cultivate necessary attitudes for harmonious co-existence among all communities and for which special measures need to be taken to prevent interventions by extremist groups.

“All religions have extolled the benefits of concord and the destructiveness of disunity.

“Therefore, we urge all communities to join hands for the progress of the country with solidarity, unity of purpose, and humane compassion after defeating the evil forces of factionalism, divisiveness and communalism.

“We earnestly request the entire student body of the University of Jaffna and also the administrative authorities of the university to learn a lesson from the immediate past, and whilst acting with due circumspection and unity, without getting caught to any undercurrent that resents national unity and development of this land.

“On behalf of the DhammaSamaggi Sansadaya -

Kotugoda Dhammavasa Anunayaka Thera. Ittepane Dhammalankara Mahanayaka Thera. Brahmanawatte Seevali Anunayaka Thera. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Anunayaka Thera. Matale Dhammakusala Maha Thera. Balangoda Sobhita Nayaka Thera. Tirikunamale Ananda Mahanayaka Thera. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhita Nayaka Thera. Waleboda Gunasiri Maha Thera. Homagama Dhammananda Maha Thera. Siri Vajiraramaye Nanasiha Thera”