Undergraduate discontent and unrest simmer unabated Sri Jayawardenapura undergrads let off steam at their authorities
Ignored and distressed undergraduates launched a series of protests to win demands including securing free education in the country. The latest of these protests was a march by a large number of Sri Jayawardenapura University undergraduates from the University to Nugegoda junction on Thursday (19).
The protest followed a 42-day satyagraha within the university premises.
“Sri Jayawardenapura University Students are the most affected by the work of higher officials in the Education sector. We want the public to know of our problems,” said Sri Jayawardenapura University Student Union General Secretary, Sanath Bandara.
One of their main demands is for hostels with adequate facilities. Mr Bandara said that the girls’ hostel situated over a kilometre away from the university premises, is in a rundown state.
“It was a garment factory turned hostel. The window panes are still of glass, and villagers or any other passerby can see what the girls are doing inside. They have complained to the authorities on several occasions regarding the consequent hardships they are faced with, but nothing has been done,” he said.
Mr Bandara said that the water supply is only available for six hours daily. “Isn’t it common sense to provide girls this facility without restrictions? Don’t the officials understand?” he asked.
He also said that the boys’ hostels are no better. “Though only four students can be comfort- ably accommodated in a room, six, and sometimes seven, are compelled to occupy them. Studying under these circumstances is an impossible task,” he said.
“Furthermore, there are students from fami- lies of Samurdhi beneficiaries, who failed to gain admission to these hostels, and hence, have to work part-time to pay boarding fees,” he explained.
In addition to this, the Arts and Cultural competition ‘kalaulela’ organised by the student union for 11 consecutive years, has been stopped by the university heads, saying that the student union is not a registered one to organise such an event.
“It has been two years since we last held it. This event gave students an opportunity to get involved in a cultural activity and showcase their talents, but now, suddenly, it is illegal,” he said.
Of the large number of students who fought against these irregular activities during the past four years, there have been 1,420 student expulsions and suspensions, 231 student arrests and 164 court cases against students. Of the suspensions, most were reported from the University of Sri Jayawardenapura with 391 cases. Peradeniya University and Buddhist & Pali University had 223 and 197 student suspensions respectively.
Meanwhile, another protest was launched by Sabaragamuwa University students on Wednesday (18), against the assault of a student by a student counselor.
The students wanted immediate action taken against the counselor Ven Ayagama Vijitha Thera who reportedly assaulted a second-year student for talking to a group of firstyear students. Though the situation returned to normal, following several discussions, the Sabaragamuwa University Student Union threatened another protest.