May 02, Colombo (LNW): Sabaragamuwa University has initiated a formal internal inquiry following the sudden and deeply troubling death of a 23-year-old undergraduate, Charith Dilshan, a second-year student enrolled in the Department of Engineering Technology.
The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the academic community, has raised serious concerns over the possible involvement of hazing practices.
The university’s administration has constituted a special three-member investigative committee, led by Senior Professor A.A.Y. Amarasinghe. Professor Kapila Rathnayaka and legal expert Attorney-at-Law Y.S. Chandrasekara have also been appointed to the panel.
Their mandate is to carry out a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and to submit their findings at the earliest opportunity.
In a statement issued by Vice-Chancellor Professor Sunil Shantha, the university expressed its deep sorrow over the loss and affirmed its commitment to uncovering the truth behind the incident.
The administration has pledged to support the inquiry with full transparency and seriousness.
The tragic event has stirred further concern after a fellow student lodged a formal complaint with the Samanalawewa Police, claiming that the deceased had endured ragging—an entrenched form of bullying and harassment often reported in Sri Lankan universities.
According to the complaint, Dilshan may have succumbed to psychological pressure stemming from such treatment, leading to his decision to take his own life by hanging.
Initial reports suggest that Dilshan, known amongst peers as a quiet and dedicated student, had shown signs of emotional distress in the days leading up to his death.
The allegation of ragging being a contributing factor has brought renewed scrutiny to campus safety and student welfare, reigniting the national debate on the persistent issue of institutionalised abuse in higher education.
Authorities have yet to release further details regarding the ongoing police investigation, but both criminal and administrative inquiries are expected to proceed in parallel.
The university has called upon students and staff to cooperate fully with investigators and has assured the community that necessary action will be taken based on the committee’s recommendations.
The case has also prompted broader calls for reform, with student groups and civil society organisations urging a crackdown on ragging culture and the introduction of more effective mental health support systems on campus.
