A newly installed CCTV system within the University of Kelaniya premises was the latest issue of contention between the university’s student activists and officials. Student movements within local universities have often clashed with officials over the installation of security systems labeling them as a tool of repression while authorities have pointed it out as a necessity to ensure security and stamp out ragging within the university system. Last week’s tussle and the student’s decision to remove the cameras on their own is believed to have now damaged the new CCTV system which had cost Rs. 2.6 million to install.
According to the Students Council, the officials had taken steps to install 14 cameras in areas often frequented by students to monitor and repress them. Holding a press conference this week President of the Kelaniya Students Council Kobeithuduwe Samitha Thera said the student’s council had repeatedly informed the university in writing of their opposition to the installing of CCTV cameras within university premises. “We asked them to remove these immediately and informed them the student council will not be held responsible for any further action taken by students regarding the matter,” he said.
President of the Student Council alleged, the university authorities are attempting to suppress students and the CCTVs are a ruse to identify the student leaders. “The CCTV is not going to be used to ensure security but instead will be used to gather information on the students” the Thera alleged.
But according to University officials who have been grappling with serious issues of ragging within the University, these cameras have been fixed to maintain security and ensure the safety of students as a means to thwart untoward activities within the premises. Several years ago the ragging of freshers at the infamous ‘thel bamma’ at the University was revealed through a grainy video shot on a mobile phone. University sources believe the resistance to the CCTV is part of an attempt to conceal the ragging taking place within the University premises.
However, as a result of the ensuing dispute, last week students led by Kobeithuduwe Samitha Thera dismantled the system and attempted to hand it over to the University administration. However, as the officials refused to accept the cameras a video circulating on social media shows the students leaving the dismantled and damaged cameras in a pile at an administration office.
However, also seen in the same video is another senior Bhikku believed to be a member of faculty, telling Samitha Thera that the university had agreed to discuss the matter and remove cameras in certain locations. “I told you that we can discuss this and we can remove cameras located in areas of concern. But if you have now taken this course of action then deal with it on your own,” he is seen telling Samitha Thera and other students involved in the incident. As evidenced by the video, the university authorities had agreed to a discussion on the matter with the student council. But the students had gone on to remove the CCTV system without discussing the situation with the authorities despite the offer made by the administration.
While the actions of the students have drawn flak from the public as it has been revealed that the now removed and possibly damaged system had cost Rs. 2.6 Million. According to one member of the public, the students need to step into the modern world.
“CCTV systems are everywhere so should they be removed?” he queried. According to him after last year’s terror attacks the students should be more understanding about the need for such systems.
But despite earning public wrath, the Inter-University Students Federation (IUSF) expressed their support to the Students Council. Convenor of the IUSF, Ven. Rathkarawwe Jinarathana Thera justified the action that was taken by the university students as fair.
“The lack of accommodation and clean drinking water are some of the key issues faced by students at the University but instead of solving them, costly CCTV systems are being installed,” he pointed out.
Coming down hard on the offending students unlike instances before, the University has suspended 25 students for two years. On Friday, the Police arrested 16 students for damaging public property, 12 were released on police bail but four others including Ven. Samitha Thera have been remanded till March 3.
Unyielding to the pressure the University has reinstalled the CCTV cameras in the university premises.