An arms cache, including a T-56 assault rifle, explosive devices, medical supplies and blood-stained material, has been discovered hidden inside the roof of the University of Jaffna’s central library during renovation work carried out last week.
Workers conducting repairs on Thursday first noticed two magazines lodged inside the roof structure, prompting university administrators to alert the occupying Sri Lankan Police in Koppay. Officers arrived on site and began initial investigations. The following day, the Special Task Force (STF) Bomb Disposal Unit was deployed to assist in retrieving the items.
During the operation, police recovered a T-56 rifle, four magazines, three small explosive devices, a detonator commonly used to trigger claymore mines, several lengths of wire, and medical supplies including saline, cotton and bandages. Police also reported finding a cloth marked with blood stains.
All items have been taken by the Sri Lankan police for further investigation. Officers said a report on the discovery will be submitted to the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court, after which further action will be taken according to court direction.
Based on the newspaper in which one magazine was wrapped and the expiry date on a saline bottle, police suspect the cache may have been concealed around 2005, during a period of intensified militarisation in the region.
The discovery comes as the University of Jaffna has frequently faced scrutiny and surveillance from Sri Lankan security forces, particularly around periods of political tension and remembrance.
