Jan 27, Colombo: The Inter University Students' Federation (IUSF) of Sri Lanka has formed a platform consisting of university lecturers, intellectuals, students and trade unions to safeguard the free education system in the country.

IUSF Convener, Sanjeewa Bandara said all forces who used to fight for a common cause from different platforms have been united under the People's Center for the Protection of the Right for Free Education.

Bandara says the government that pledged to safeguard free education when it assumed office in 2005 was now trying to destroy it.

"The government promised a bright future for the youth and now is suppressing them when they struggle on the road asking for that bright future," he said.

He further noted that university students are being accused of trying to de-stabilize the country when they fight for their rights.

However, Bandara pointed out that many forces have now come together to fight for a common cause and to ensure that free education is safeguarded in the country and the government would not be allowed to privatize the education system.