Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has recorded statements from the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar of the University of Jaffna as part of an ongoing investigation into a protest by students where Sri Lanka's lion flag was lowered and a black flag raised in its place.
Officers from the CID visited the university campus yesterday and conducted questioning of the two senior officials for approximately three hours before recording their statements.
The investigation follows an earlier directive issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in February, instructing the university administration to conduct an inquiry into the incident.
An internal investigation was subsequently carried out by a committee comprising the professor in charge of the university’s Ethnic Harmony, the Student Disciplinary Officer, and the Chief Security Officer. The committee’s findings were later submitted to the University Grants Commission.
According to the report, 30 individuals, including two female students, were identified as being directly connected to the incident in which the lion flag was lowered and a black flag raised on Sri Lanka’s ‘Independence Day’. The event took place as Tamils across the North-East raised black flags in protest.
During questioning conducted as part of the university’s internal inquiry, the students reportedly stated that their actions were intended to express that Sri Lanka’s ‘Independence Day’ does not represent a meaningful day for Tamils so long as the aspirations of the Tamil nation are not recognised and respected.
Following the internal inquiry, the Jaffna District Crime Prevention Division launched a separate police investigation into the incident. As part of those inquiries, officers visited the university premises and recorded statements from the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar.
Students have criticised the manner in which the investigation was carried out, expressing concern that Sri Lankan police officers entered the university campus in a vehicle and questioned senior university officials inside the premises for several hours.
Police are also examining video footage recorded at the time the national flag was lowered and the black flag raised on Independence Day.
Officials have indicated that further statements will be recorded from university security officers who were on duty during the incident, as well as from several students identified in connection with the protest.
