Jaffna University: In the Shadow Of War And Peace On A War-Footing
May 13, 2014
Jaffna University professors are threatened and the University is closed without giving any explanation.
Secretary MOD Gotabaya Rajapaksa
“Early in the week beginning on 5th May, events bearing on the anniversary of the end of the war on 18th May followed in quick succession. The Registrar sent out letters announcing the closure of the University from 16th to 20th May with no explanation. On the 7th leaflets were posted on the University premises making death threats against professors who are allegedly guiding students to support terrorism and student leaders of just the Arts and Science faculties and the leader of the University Student’s Union. The academics threatened are Prof. Sivanathan, Dean of Arts, and Mr. Rasakumaran, Head of the English Language Teaching Centre, and the leader of the University Teachers’ Association. The same day, Major General Udaya Perera invited university officials, including the Vice Chancellor, deans, and student leaders, for discussions the following day, 8th, where they were garlanded, feasted and flattered with dancers and singers. General Perera told them very politely that no observance in the University would be permitted on the 18th, as any observance would amount to extolling the late LTTE leader Prabhakaran and would thus count as an inducement to terrorism. SSP Jaffna told the Sunday Times (11th May),’Any persons trying to hoist black flags, distribute leaflets or put up posters will be Considered supporting of terrorism and such persons will be taken into custody under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.’ says the Jaffna University Science Teachers’ Association.
Issuing a statement JUSTA Dr. J.P. Jeyadevan today asked; Why should Tamils speaking of the war be such an explosive issue five years after it ended, a war in which neither side owned a monopoly on terrorism?
