On a decision by provincial equation minister T. Kurukularasa, ministry secretary R. Ravindran has informed principals to close the schools for the day, as the incident could provoke schoolchildren into unrest.

Eighteen-year-old Rajeswaran Senduran, an A/L student of Hindu College, Jaffna jumped into the train near Kondavil railway station around 8.00 am, said police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said.

Written on a notebook belonging to him found from the location are that all political prisoners should be released and that freedom for Tamil eelam.

An investigation is underway into his suicide.

Black flag protest

Jaffna university students raised black flags and staged a protest later in the day, demanding freedom for political prisoners.

Before more such unfortunate incidents occur, Tamil prisoners detained at prisons should be freed, said the protesters.

Speaking to the media, justice minister Wijedasa Rajapakse said LTTE detainees, being detained under the PTA, would be freed according to the law only.