Formation and Early Years (1978–1987) The IUSF was formed in 1978 to unite fragmented student movements under one banner to protect the rights of university students. Its first convener was
Shantha Bandara, a prominent student leader from the
University of Peradeniya. During its early years, the IUSF campaigned heavily against the 1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka and proposed educational reforms (White Paper on Education) which they claimed would be detrimental to free education.
Insurrection and Ban (1987–1989) During the
1987–1989 JVP insurrection, the IUSF played a major role in mobilizing students against the Indo-Lanka Accord and the presence of the
Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF). The government banned the IUSF and other student unions in 1988. Many student leaders, including Conveners, were killed or disappeared during this period of "Bheeshanaya" (Terror). The ban was lifted in 1990.
Post-1990 and Recent Activism Since re-establishing itself in the 1990s, the IUSF has been the primary force opposing the privatization of education in Sri Lanka. •
Battle against Private Universities: The IUSF launched massive protests against the establishment of private higher education institutes such as the North Colombo Medical College (NCMC) and later the
South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM). •
2022 Economic Crisis (Aragalaya): Under the leadership of then-convener
Wasantha Mudalige, the IUSF played a pivotal role in the
2022 Sri Lankan protests ("Aragalaya") demanding the resignation of President
Gotabaya Rajapaksa. They organized the massive "Anthare March" to Colombo which became a turning point in the protests. == Organization and Leadership ==