Sri Lankan soldiers were seen at the Ulavikkulam pillaryaar Kovil festival at Achuveli in Jaffna, where they involved themselves in religious festivities that were underway.

Updated 1230 GMT

A Sinhalese student brandishes a log towards a group of Tamil students as violence broke out at Jaffna University on Saturday.

Sinhalese students at the Jaffna University clashed with Tamil students earlier on Saturday, as violence erupted over the use of a Kandyan dance from the south of the island at a traditional orientation programme.

The Airport Authority of India (AAI)  is carrying out a feasibility study of the airport in Palaly, on the Jaffna peninsula, in order for it to be developed as a regional airport, The Sunday Times reported.

India has previously supported development of the air base, including the reconstruction of the runway.

Currently the facility is operated by the Sri Lankan Air Force and used for military and civilian in-country flights.

“Some unwanted incidents related to the freshers’ welcome party led to violent clashes among the Students today. Some students were injured and are being treated in the hospital. As a result, the Science Faculty is closed to the students and all the students are returning to their homes."

“The Sri Lankan government continues to infringe upon the historically enjoyed rights of our fishermen to fish in the traditional waters of the Palk Bay.”

The Sri Lankan army has been constructing concrete pillars around military bases located within a High Security Zone in Jaffna, with fears the camps could become permanently situated within the North-East.

The military was seen engaging in construction work around the border of the Valikaamam North High Security Zone. The military had recently released 201 acres of land in the area after 26 years of occupation.

However, a vast bordering region remains occupied by the military. Whilst temporary fences still exist across areas that have been released, the recent fixation of permanent concrete fences has increased fears the army will be a permanent presence in Jaffna.

Sri Lanka's cabinet has approved a national development organisation which will include the military.

Co-Cabinet spokesperson Minister Gayantha Karunathilake said the knowledge and resources of the tri-forces could be used in nation building, the Daily Mirror reported.