Four university students including a Buddhist monk, who were directly involved in removing CCTV cameras at Kelaniya University, have been remanded until the 3rd of March.

The order was delivered by Mahara Magistrate’s Court today (28).

On February 24, a group of members of the Student Union of the University of Kelaniya had forcibly removed the CCTV cameras fixed at university premises for security purposes.

The Student Union had objected to the fixation of the cameras charging that this was done as a measure to control students.

Following removal of the cameras, the members of the Student Union had claimed responsibility for the action and stated that it had been done as a sign of protest.

Sixteen students were arrested over the incident yesterday (27) and 12 of them were granted police bail later. The Police had stated that charges will be filed under the Public Properties Act against the remaining four students.

In the meantime, the administration of Kelaniya University today (28) announced that a total of 25 students who were identified in connection with the incident, have been suspended for 2 years.

Issuing a statement today (28), the university’s administration stated that further inquiries pertaining to the incident are ongoing while steps have also been taken to promptly fix the CCTV cameras back in place.