Jaffna University Dean Urges Public Not to Spread Misleading Propaganda Over Damaged Vesak Lantern Incident
The Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce at the University of Jaffna, Professor N. Gengatharan, has requested the public not to engage in unnecessary or malicious propaganda regarding the incident in which a Vesak lantern displayed at the faculty was damaged.
In a media statement issued following the incident, Professor Gengatharan explained that students of all ethnic and religious backgrounds studying at the faculty continue their education in a spirit of unity and brotherhood. Cultural and religious events are regularly conducted with mutual respect for each community’s traditions and values.
Accordingly, Buddhist students had officially obtained permission to hold Vesak celebrations on May 30 and 31. The university granted approval in keeping with its policy of respecting all religions equally. The events on May 30 were completed without any incidents.
However, after the celebrations had concluded peacefully on May 31, two unidentified individuals, with their faces covered, allegedly entered the faculty premises by climbing over a wall at around 10:50 p.m. Security officers on duty observed them damaging the Vesak decorations and attempted to approach them, but the suspects fled by jumping back over the wall.
The same individuals reportedly returned at around 12:50 a.m. and again entered the premises by climbing over the wall. Security personnel attempted to pursue them, but they escaped. The Dean was informed immediately, and necessary action was taken.
Officers from the Kopay Police Station arrived at the faculty, collected information regarding the incident, and, following instructions from the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar lodged an official complaint with the police. Investigations have been intensified to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Professor Gengatharan emphasized that academic activities at the faculty continue normally and harmoniously. He also noted that various reports and campaigns have emerged attempting to use the incident to create ethnic tensions.
According to him, there is suspicion that the act may have been carried out with the intention of disrupting the peaceful functioning of the university and undermining the understanding and cooperation that exist between Tamil and Sinhala students.
He stressed that the students themselves are clear about the situation and appealed to the public and media not to spread unnecessary or divisive misinformation regarding the incident.
