A group of students of the Open University of Sri Lanka launched a protest march along the Nawala - Nugegoda road a short while ago against the decision to close the university.

Vice-Chancellor Professor S.A. Ariadurai said yesterday that the University Council decided to close the university after several students attempted to forcibly enter two lecture rooms.

The decision as taken as there was a tense situation between the students and the staff, he explained. Exams and lectures have all been postponed until further notice.

However, OUSL Student Unity Convener Amila Sandaruwan put the blame on the academic staff.

The tense situation arose after staff had attempted to enforce a new disciplinary system in the University, he claimed.

The students demand the authorities to reopen the university.