Student unions at the University of Jaffna have condemned the vandalism of a Vesak lantern displayed during a recent Buddhist celebration and rejected attempts to portray the incident as an act carried out by the Tamil student community.
The statements were issued after a Vesak lantern erected at the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce was reportedly damaged on the night of 1 June, prompting criticism and speculation on social media.
The Students' Union of the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce and the University Students' Union both condemned the vandalism whilst warning against efforts to transform the incident into an ethnic issue.
In a statement issued on 2 June, the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce Students' Union noted that concerns had arisen regarding a Vesak celebration organised by Sinhala students within the faculty.
According to the union, the event was held with the support of the wider student community.
"The event, which included the display of Vesak lanterns, was conducted with the approval and support of the Students' Union," the statement said.
Furthermore, "Tamil students actively extended their cooperation and assistance in facilitating the event and ensuring its successful implementation."
The union added that "every possible support was provided to create an environment in which students could celebrate this important religious and cultural occasion."
Addressing the vandalism itself, the statement noted that one lantern had been damaged by "a few individuals due to circumstances that are currently under investigation."
"We strongly condemn this act of vandalism and firmly believe that those directly responsible should be identified and subjected to the appropriate disciplinary action," the union stated.
The students also expressed concern over attempts to assign collective responsibility to Tamil students.
"At the same time, we express our deep concern regarding attempts by certain individuals to generalize this incident and attribute responsibility to the Tamil student community as a whole."
"Such allegations are unfair, misleading, and do not reflect the reality of the situation."
Whilst supporting disciplinary action against those responsible, the union stressed that the actions of a small number of individuals should not be used to damage relations between students.
"The actions of a few individuals should not be used to create divisions between communities or undermine the unity and mutual respect that exist among the students of our Faculty," the statement added.
The union called on students to "act responsibly, refrain from spreading misinformation, and allow the relevant authorities to conduct a fair investigation", whilst urging the university community to uphold "the values of harmony, respect, and coexistence."
In a separate statement, the University Students' Union similarly condemned the vandalism and warned that the incident appeared to be being used to create divisions between Tamil and Sinhala students.
The union stated that the Vesak lantern display had been organised by the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce Students' Union together with students from the faculty and described the vandalism as a deliberate act carried out by unidentified individuals.
"As the student community of the University of Jaffna, we strongly condemn this act. We urge the University administration to identify those responsible and take appropriate action."
The statement further noted that student unions across the university had organised cultural and religious events for many years with the objective of fostering "harmony, mutual understanding, equality, and coexistence among students, particularly between different ethnic communities."
According to the University Students' Union, the incident appeared to be a calculated attempt to damage those relationships.
"However, this act appears to be a calculated attempt to undermine the spirit of unity among students and to create misunderstanding and unnecessary divisions between Tamil and Sinhala students."
"We believe that the intention behind this incident is to disrupt the harmony within the university community."
The union also reiterated its longstanding support for human rights and opposition to all forms of oppression, whilst rejecting efforts to portray the incident through an ethnic lens.
"At the same time, we have never regarded the Sinhala people as our adversaries. Rather, we have always sought to communicate and explain our experiences, concerns, and legitimate aspirations to them."
The statement concluded by urging students from all backgrounds to remain united against attempts to sow division.
"We further emphasize the need for students, irrespective of ethnic background, to remain vigilant and united against divisive forces that seek to create internal conflicts and discord among us."
Meanwhile Tamil National Council leader MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam endorsed the position taken by the students' union in a Facebook post,
"I wish to fully associate my self and my party with the sentiments of the statement issued by the Management Studies and Commerce Students’ Union of the Jaffna University. All students have the right and the freedom to enjoy their religious and cultural beliefs. As such the Sinhala Buddhist Students and others who celebrate Vesak and similar Buddhist occasions have that unfettered right.
The incident of vandalism to a Vesak lantern that had occurred last night within the Jaffna University premises needs to be fully investigated and those responsible properly dealt with.
The Tamil National Council condemns the act of vandalism unreservedly.", Gajendrakumar stated.
A complaint regarding the vandalism has been filed with Sri Lankan police, who have launched an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, the University of Jaffna has initiated a separate investigation.