Description

On 22nd February, Inter-University Bhikkhu Federation (IUBF) held a protest at Pitipana
Junction, Homagama demanding to re-open the Buddhist and Pali University that has been
closed since December 2022. University administration accuses students of engaging in
an unlawful demonstration, obstructing the duties of police officers, and aiding and abetting
some other ragging incidents, while some of them have been arrested and legal actions taken
against them. The Police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters. The
Buddhist Pali University was closed on 19th December 2022 by the Cabinet of Ministers
following a discussion with all the Mahanayake Theros, and University administration without
a further notice. In February 2023, the university was partially opened and began teaching
only for first year students of undergraduate programs.