While the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) was temporarily closed last week due to a violent altercation between two student groups, the university administration yesterday (15) claimed that there was no political motive behind the dispute.

This, following reports that a dispute involving students affiliated with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) from the Management Faculty and those associated with the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) from the Arts Faculty, escalated to a violent altercation.

Against this backdrop, speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday, USJ Vice-Chancellor Professor Pathmalal M. Manage opined that the recent incident was misconstrued by various parties, including some in the media. He emphasised that the clash stemmed from a personal dispute among the students, rather than being driven by political affiliations.

Professor Manage explained that the university’s decision to close temporarily was made following consultations with both academic staff and students. This measure was implemented to prevent the situation from escalating further and to protect students from being exploited for political purposes.

He stressed that while personal conflicts among students are not uncommon in universities, stressing this particular incident had been inaccurately portrayed by some groups to create undue disorder. The Vice Chancellor reiterated that the university is committed to resolving such issues amicably and ensuring that personal disputes do not get politicised or manipulated for external agendas.