Police probe alleged suicide of Wayamba College of Education student

• Friends alleged mental torture led to suicide  

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

Police have launched an investigation into the death of a 23-year old female student at the Wayamba National College of Education in Bingiriya, who was found dead in her hostel room in what is believed to be a case of suicide.  

The deceased was identified as Sanjeewani Kumari, a resident of Teldeniya in Kandy.   

Her body was discovered by police following reports from a fellow student at the hostel.  After the friend saw the incident, she immediately informed the college authorities and the Bingiriya Police Station.   

The body of the student was taken at the Chilaw Hospital where the relevant post-mortem procedures have been carried out. 

Police said Information is being collected from the relevant students and the college staff regarding the actions or special behaviour taken by the student before committing suicide.  

Sanjeewani’s death comes just days after the suicide of a second-year student at Sabaragamuwa University, allegedly following a ragging incident.  

According to reports, Sanjeewani had joined Wayamba College two years ago. However, she reportedly took her own life before completing her studies, allegedly due to psychological stress caused by harassment from certain teachers.  Friends of the deceased took to social media, claiming that students were subjected to mental torment by staff.   

In response to the tragedy, students staged a silent protest on Saturday, calling for immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future. 

They continued their demonstration into the night, demanding that the Dean meet them and address their concerns.  

When Daily Mirror contacted, a senior officer from Bingiriya Police said that investigations are underway into the incident.   

He said that the social media posts and allegations made by students are also being examined to determine the circumstances that led to Sanjeewani’s death.