A cache of weapons, including a T-56 rifle and three hand grenades, was discovered hidden in the roof of the University of Jaffna’s main library.
Workers conducting roof repairs first found two magazines and a roll of wire, prompting the university to alert the Kopai Police and STF. A subsequent inspection uncovered the rifle, additional magazines, ammunition, medical supplies, and a blood-stained lungi.
Police later recovered three grenades during an extended search and have cordoned off the area amid suspicions of more hidden arms.
Link to LTTE-Era Activity Suspected
Reliable sources told Jaffna Monitor that the cache may date back to the final phase of the war and could be linked to Panchadsaram Gunenthiran, also known by the nom de guerre Captain Ellalan.
Gunenthiran, a Jaffna Hindu College student from the 2005 A/L batch, was the President of the Tamil Eelam Students’ Union at the time. He later joined the LTTE and underwent military training before returning to Jaffna.
He is believed to have lived clandestinely within the University of Jaffna premises from 2006 until January 21, 2008, allegedly with the assistance of sympathetic members of the student body.
He was later killed inside the university grounds in 2008 by unidentified armed men, reportedly during a targeted operation.
Ongoing Investigation
Security forces are continuing to search the area and have yet to determine how long the weapons had been hidden inside the library structure.
Police said samples and materials recovered will be sent for forensic and ballistic testing, while the University administration has pledged full cooperation with ongoing investigations.
A senior officer attached to the Jaffna Police Division said, “We are inspecting all surrounding buildings to ensure there are no further hidden caches within the university premises.”
