Sri Lankan government minister Champika Ranawaka warned that clashes at Jaffna University on the weekend may lead to “new Prabhakarans” as he called for prosecutions against those involved.

Colombo Telegraph quoted the Minister of Megapolis and Western Development as stating that Tamil students faced no discrimination across the island, whilst Sinhala students were under threat in Jaffna. Clashes erupted on Saturday over attempts by Sinhala students to include a Sinhalese Kandyan dance performance for the first time at a traditional welcome event.

“There is a deeper meaning to this incident,” said the minister. “This is not just an assault on students, this is outright racism.”

Warning that “space must not be given for new Prabhakaran’s to be born,” the minister went on to call for prosecutions against those involved. “We must nip this at the bud, we must defeat these elements. The law must apply to each and every culprit who were behind the assault,” he added.

“These racist and fascist elements must be defeated,” he added, stating that “if they want it to be an all Tamil university, then it should be shut down.”

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."