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The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka is reportedly preparing to take disciplinary action against students at the University of Jaffna after a symbolic protest on Sri Lanka’s 77th Independence Day, in which Sri Lanka’s lion flag was replaced with a black flag on campus.
The protest, which took place on 4 February 2025, saw Tamil students at the university’s main campus lower the Sri Lankan flag and raise a black flag in its place—a longstanding act of dissent that reflects widespread Tamil opposition to an imposed Sri Lankan identity.
According to reports, the UGC has now demanded a detailed explanation from the University of Jaffna’s administration, including a report on the disciplinary measures taken by the university against the students involved. The Commission has reportedly obtained the names and photographs of nine students, believed to be involved in the protest, and has requested further documentation regarding the incident.
The UGC’s move comes amid rising pressure from Sinhala nationalist groups, some of whom have called for the arrest of the students involved. The protest sparked condemnation from Sinhala extremists, who demanded state intervention and criminal charges.
In response to the latest protest, the UGC reportedly sent an explanatory letter to the Jaffna University administration, asking for clarity on the institution's actions and requesting a full report on the incident. It is also alleged that the UGC may pursue action not only against students but also against the university's administration for what it perceives as inaction.
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The Sri Lankan flag is lowered.
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A black flag is raised instead.
Tamils have historically marked Sri Lanka’s Independence Day as a day of mourning rather than celebration. For decades, Tamil communities across the North-East have viewed February 4th as the formal consolidation of a Sinhala-Buddhist state that has systematically marginalised Tamils since 1948.
Raising black flags on Independence Day has become a symbol of dissent, and the protest this year was a continuation of this longstanding political expression. Hundreds of students dressed in black and wearing black bandanas held placards to send the message that the day was not a day to celebrate for the Tamils. A declaration to mark the day was read out, stating that "Independence Day for Tamils is the day our homeland becomes free".
The University of Jaffna has been the site of regular surveillance, intimidation, and crackdowns by Sri Lankan security forces. Students and faculty have frequently faced threats for participating in commemorations and protests.
