did not want the academics to have two separate unions. They promptly agreed and elected a new body in Thurai’s presence, the sources said.

The LTTE also opposed a plan by the non-academic union to conduct a one-day protest against delayed payments to the non-academic staff. The LTTE was determined to cripple the trade union action as it wanted to help the two officials responsible for giving them facilities at the university. Despite strong LTTE objections, union leaders went ahead with their action.

Speculation was rife that the LTTE was also given the opportunity to use the university guest house at Bar road, Batticaloa. Several computers too have been made available to the LTTE to conduct computer classes for youth. An authoritative source stressed that the UGC was determined to ensure that the LTTE did not take advantage of a ceasefire agreement to intensify its activities in universities.