KELUM BANDARA 
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Sri Lanka’s anti-ragging law ignored
- Ragging is a punishable offence
- Freshers continue to be subjected to harassment
- It was meant to get acquainted and increase bond with seniors in the past
- Now, it has escalated into a situation where junior students are subjected to psychological, physical, or sexual violence
Colombo, May 3 (Daily Mirror) - The death of a student at Sabaragamuwa University by suicide over reasons allegedly linked to ragging sparks concerns over the lack of awareness of anti-ragging legislation and its enforcement, according to officials.
Despite ragging being a criminal offence in terms of the Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act, freshers continue to be subjected to physical and mental harassment, even leading to deaths and hospitalisations at times. Any person convicted in terms of the provisions of this piece of legislation is punishable by a jail term with rigorous imprisonment and payment of compensation to the victim.
In case of ragging causing sexual harassment, grievous hurt to any student, the punishment is even severe with a jail term of ten years. Ragging, a practice of subjecting freshers, has been at the Sri Lankan university system for generations, with adverse consequences such as physical, psychological, and behavioural effects and increased university dropouts.
The latest incident, though yet to be established whether it is directly linked to ragging or not, has triggered concerns whether there is a lack of awareness of the relevant piece of legislation and its enforcement.
Normally, ragging occurs during the first year. In the past, it was meant to get acquainted and increase bond with seniors, according to a study done in this regard. Yet, it has now escalated into a situation where junior students are subjected to psychological, physical, or sexual violence.
Asked about the current situation, Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said ragging had been contained in most instances in the university, but the latest incident, if linked to such harassment, raises eyebrows.
“In the past, junior students were subjected to ragging during their first year. The student who died recently was a second-year student. In fact, he was in the second semester of the second year. We are concerned whether ragging is done on second-year students now,” he said.
Commenting on the anti-ragging law, he said it is in force, but a lack of awareness can be a reason in dealing with the issue. With the latest incident, he said the creation of better awareness of this law, its enforcement and areas for improvement would be considered.
Vice Chancellor of Rajarata University Dr. P.H.G. Janaka Pushpakumara said ragging had been fully contained at the Medical and Allied Science faculties at his institution. He said cases are reported at other faculties and departments, though.
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