2ND LEAD

Sinhala student shot dead at Eastern University

[TamilNet, Thursday, 21 August 2008, 18:14 GMT]
A final-year student from Kurunagala, studying at the Eastern University of Sri Lanka (EUSL) at Vanthaa'rumoolai was shot and killed by unknown armed men Thursday around 9:15 p.m. Ea'raavoor Police said they were investigating whether the killing had any connection to an incident in which a Tamil girl was allegedly ragged at the EUSL, a few days ago.

The victim was identified as 27-year-old H.M.S.P Samarasinghe, a native of Poththugara in Kurunagala district.

The slain student has been studying at the EUSL for the past three years with 16 fellow Sinhala students at his level, according to the EUSL students representatives.

181 Sinhala students have been admitted to the EUSL for 2007-2008. The EUSL is situated 18 km north of Batticaloa city.

The alleged ragging incident was a minor issue, according to the student leaders. However, it was exaggerated outside the EUSL, probably by the parents, they said.

A warning pamphlet was issued by the 'Cultural Department' of the TMVP paramilitary-cum-political party on 19 August. It had warned "stern action" against those who indulge in "anti-cultural" and "humiliating activities against women".

Chronology: