Tensions flared at the University of Jaffna as students gathered at the main entrance to protest police summons issued in connection with a controversial incident during Sri Lanka’s Independence Day. In the northern and eastern provinces, a “Black Day” was observed, during which the university’s national flag was reportedly lowered and replaced with a black flag, an act the students describe as a peaceful expression of dissent.
On the 10th of the month, police interrogated the University Vice-Chancellor and Registrar for three hours regarding the flag incident. Following this, the Crime Prevention Police issued formal summons through the Registrar for three students to appear on the 17th. Acting on guidance from the University Grants Commission, which advises that such matters should first be addressed internally, the students did not comply with the summons.
During the protest, students vocally condemned what they called “harassment under the guise of an inquiry,” asserting that raising a black flag is a legitimate democratic right. Demonstrators chanted slogans emphasizing that “the voice of students cannot be suppressed” and warning that “as long as oppression exists, there is no true freedom for Tamils in Sri Lanka.” Observers note that the protest highlights ongoing tensions surrounding student activism, freedom of expression, and minority rights in the country.
