IUSF To File Petition At HRCSL

By Waruni Karunarathne

The Interuniversity Students’ Federation (IUSF) is to file a petition at the Human Rights Council of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) against the recent police action on the students who had been engaged in a protest march near the Parliament complex. “We have taken steps to file a petition with the HRCSL against the manner in which students are being suppressed through the use of state powers,” Convenor of the IUSF Najith Indika told The Sunday Leader.

According to him, the IUSF will inform human rights organisations locally and internationally to draw their attention on the suppression of the student activism by the Government using state powers.

He added that the protest march was organised by the students to make the authorities hear their demands related to several issues. “Our protest is against the suppression of student activism in the country, privatization of the universities and charging fees from the school students to provide education needs. We also demand the Government to increase Mahapola and Bursary students’ funds and increase the amount allocated from the budget for education,” Indika demanded.

According to him, over 6000 students from universities all over the country participated in the recent protest march and many received wounds due to the attack carried out by the police on the student. “12 students were admitted to the hospital and two students broke their legs as a result of the attack,” he added.

He said that the Government would not be able to silence the students through such attacks and the students are ready to keep fighting for their rights until the Government positively respond to their demands. “The Government is suppressing not only the students but all who stand up to demand for their rights. Trade unions have joined hand with us to support our cause. We will not be frightened,” he added.