A delegation of the Inter-University Students Federation (IUSF) led by its Convener Wasantha Mudalige that travelled to Jaffna, were met with a protest calling for them to leave.

Mudalige and the IUSF members had gone to Jaffna to participate in a seminar held at the Jaffna University, urging the Government to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act (PTA).

The Government last week gazetted a new Anti-Terrorism Act, which is expected to be tabled in parliament soon.

The IUSF had organised a seminar at Jaffna University last weekend, urging the Government to release all prisoners held under the law, who they claimed are unjustly being detained. Representatives of the IUSF and other civil organisations participated in the seminar.

Before the seminar started, a group of people gathered near the Jaffna University and protested Mudalige's participation in the seminar, and introduction of trade union and student movement activities to the Jaffna District. They were seen carrying placards which read various slogans such as “No need of trade union activities in Jaffna”. Some called out slogans asking Mudalige and the IUSF to leave Jaffna without creating “struggles”.

During a protest in August, 2022, several IUSF activists and university students were arrested by the Police. A total of 16 university students who were among the arrested were released on bail while Mudalige, and two others were placed under detention using the PTA. All of them were later released from the PTA-related cases by respective courts as the law enforcement authorities had failed to establish any charge against them under the PTA.