Peradeniya Uni students stage torchlight protest alleging curbs on student freedom

Students from the University of Peradeniya held a torchlight protest today at Galaha Junction to express their concerns about what they see as growing restrictions on student freedoms. The Peradeniya University Students’ Union organized the event. A crowd of students gathered at the junction, holding posters and banners while lighting torches for their demonstration. The protest lasted for about an hour, during which participants chanted slogans and voiced their worries about recent actions by university administrators that affect students. To ensure safety and manage the crowd, police temporarily closed one lane of the Kandy–Colombo Main Road, causing traffic delays in the area. Student leaders speaking at the protest claimed that the authorities are trying to limit student freedoms by putting in new rules and issuing administrative notices. They argued that universities are being treated like preschools, with regulations that they believe restrict student activities and expression. The protesters also accused the authorities of trying to stifle student activism and unity through these notices, claiming that such actions are intended to dissuade organized student movements. Student representatives warned that they would continue their protests and campaigns if these policies remain unchanged, stressing their commitment to defend student rights and independence within the university system.