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Concerns raised in Sri Lanka as university clash fuels tension

Xinhua, July 18, 2016 Adjust font size:

Concerns were raised in Sri Lanka on Monday as a clash in the minority Tamil-dominated north over the weekend threatened to spread communal disharmony.

The clash took place between Sinhalese majority and Tamil minority students in the Jaffna university.

An attempt being made to spread racial hatred using the clash at the Jaffna university was condemned by many groups and political parties.

The Inter University Student's Federation (IUSF), while condemning the incident, raised concerns over attempts by some groups to make use of the incident to incite racial hatred.

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) expressed its deep shock over Saturday's clash that took place at the University of Jaffna.

"We regret that several students have sustained injuries and the Sinhalese students had to be evacuated from the University and Jaffna as a precautionary measure," the TNA said.

The TNA appealed to all students not to permit any recurrence of such incidents or anything that will hinder reconciliation among communities in our country.

"We call upon the students and the authorities to work together in creating the right conditions for students from different backgrounds to live and study together in the University of Jaffna in the future," the TNA said.

The clash occurred when a welcome ceremony was held for new entrants to the University of Jaffna.

Some Tamil students had opposed the traditional Sinhalese "Kandyan dance" being staged to welcome the students, which led to the clash.

The IUSF said if clashes take place based on a race or religion it will prevent more important social issues from being addressed in the country.

The IUSF urged university students to join hands against racial disharmony and prevent politicians from gaining the upper hand from such incidents. Endit