Ragging Is a Crime, Not a Tradition – President

COLOMBO (News 1st): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has issued a strong condemnation of ragging in Sri Lanka’s universities, calling it an outdated and criminal practice that must be eradicated from the country’s higher education system.

Speaking on the issue, the President recalled his earlier discussions with student bodies, particularly at the University of Peradeniya, where he made his stance clear: “No one has the right to harass or harm another student under any circumstance. Being a senior does not give anyone the authority to abuse a newcomer.”

The President’s comments come in the wake of a tragic incident involving a second-year university student, which has sparked national outrage and renewed scrutiny of ragging practices. “This is a serious tragedy. That student, like many others, had dreams for his future. Now those dreams are gone,” he said.

He noted that the case is unusual, as the student in question was not a first-year, but a second-year student—raising questions about the nature of the incident. “Typically, second-year students rag first-years under the direction of third-years. So this case is concerning,” he added.

President Dissanayake emphasized that ragging is not just a disciplinary issue but a criminal one. “These crimes must be dealt with under the criminal law. There are no ‘special zones’ where the law does not apply. Whether it happens in a university or any other institution, the law must be enforced,” he stated.

He confirmed that the university’s vice chancellor has already appointed a committee to investigate the incident and urged that those responsible be held accountable. “There must be justice. These outdated practices have no place in modern education,” he said.