The Inter University Students Federation was engaged in a protest march today against the police attack on HNDA students and on several other demands including the banning of private universities.

The protest march which commenced from the Sri Jayewardenepura University was concluded in front of the Higher Education Ministry on Ward Place Colombo this afternoon.

Heavy traffic was reported on the High Level road due to the student protest.

Members of the IUSF of several universities and the members of the HNDA collective had joined the march.

At the same time, Inter University Bhikku Students Federation, Medial College Students activists and several other students’ organizations had also joined the march.

Our correspondents stated that almost all roads around Colombo Town Hall have been blocked as protesting students were staying on the road in front of the University grants Commission.

Police received two injunctions against the student march today, but students continued their march saying that they did not receive any court order in writing.

Our correspondents stated that around 40 policemen were positioned around the University Grants Commission.

Meanwhile two petitions filed by the Jathika Balaya and Inter University Student Federation were taken for hearing before the Human Rights Commission today.

Director of the Investigation and inspection Unit, Sithara Thambiliyagoda told our news team that the petition would be taken again on next Thursday.

Meanwhile Jathika Balaya member and leader of Nava Hela Urumaya, Sarath Manamendra said that police have become helpless before this incident.

Meanwhile the petition filed by the students with the Police Commission was also taken for hearing today.

During the hearing, the Police Commission has recorded a statement from the convener of the HNDA collective Dhammika Ruwan Kumarage.

At the same time, Higher Education and Highways Minister has submitted a Cabinet paper seeking approval to empower a previous Circular which had granted degree status to the HNDA course.

Ministry Secretary D.C. Dissanayake told our news team that the Cabinet would draw its attention to this matter during the next Cabinet meeting.