By: Isuru Parakrama
May 04, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan police have initiated a formal inquiry into the tragic death of a student from Sabaragamuwa University, following growing concerns that systemic ragging may have played a role in the incident.
The student, whose untimely death was initially reported as a case of suicide, has sparked outrage and renewed national scrutiny over the continued presence of abusive initiation practices within university campuses.
Acting on directives from the Acting Inspector General of Police, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has taken over the investigation. As of now, authorities have reportedly recorded statements from at least 20 students, with investigators attempting to establish a clear timeline of events leading up to the student’s death.
Whilst the exact circumstances remain under investigation, preliminary reports suggest that the student may have been subjected to psychological distress stemming from hazing or harassment.
The Ministry of Higher Education has also launched an independent administrative inquiry to assess whether the institution failed to take necessary steps to prevent or intervene in cases of ragging.
Officials have pledged full cooperation with law enforcement and vowed to take disciplinary action should any staff or students be found complicit, either through participation or negligence.
According to students at the university, concerns about ragging have persisted despite past efforts to clamp down on such practices. Whilst orientation rituals have long been a part of campus life in many local institutions, critics argue that some of these activities have evolved into sustained acts of bullying and abuse, often targeting first-year students.
Human rights groups and student unions have condemned the incident, calling for urgent reform and stronger protections for vulnerable undergraduates.
The incident has reignited public calls for a comprehensive review of anti-ragging policies, which, though enshrined in law, are often seen as inadequately enforced. Several lawmakers have expressed concern that many universities have become breeding grounds for unchecked student hierarchies and toxic peer control, often with little accountability.
Authorities are now examining whether any senior students coerced the deceased into acts that may have contributed to mental trauma. Forensic and digital evidence is also being reviewed to understand the social dynamics and possible abuse that the student might have endured.
