May 26, Colombo (LNW): A sombre cloud has settled over the Wayamba National College of Education in Bingiriya following the tragic death of a second-year student, prompting the Ministry of Education to initiate an urgent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The young woman, originally from Teldeniya in the Kandy district, was found deceased in her dormitory in what authorities suspect to be a case of suicide. The incident has stirred shock and grief among the academic community, with questions arising over the pressures faced by students within the institution.
Friends of the deceased have alleged that the emotional burden inflicted by certain lecturers at the college may have been a contributing factor. They claim that persistent harassment left her deeply distressed, ultimately pushing her beyond her limits.
Her family too has expressed similar concerns, suggesting that psychological strain may have played a key role in her untimely death.
In response to a media inquiry, P.V. Lal Kumara, President of the Wayamba National College of Education, confirmed he had been made aware of the Ministry’s decision to launch an official probe into the matter.
In a show of solidarity and concern, fellow students from the college gathered for a silent protest on May 23. The demonstration, which extended well into the night, called for meaningful and immediate action from the institution’s leadership. Protesters held placards and observed moments of silence, demanding structural changes to ensure student welfare is prioritised and such tragedies are not repeated.
