Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya has directed that the ongoing investigation into the alleged ragging incident involving second-year students of the Faculty of Technology at Sabaragamuwa University—believed to be linked to a recent student suicide—be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The case stems from a complaint lodged at the Samanalawewa Police Station on Tuesday (29), regarding an incident of harassment. In response, police recorded statements from 20 university students who were reportedly subjected to such harassment on Thursday (02).
Amid growing public concern, it is widely believed that Charith Dilshan, a second-year student of the Faculty of Technology, took his own life after being unable to endure the alleged harassment. A formal investigation has been launched, with the University Grants Commission also stepping in to assist.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, speaking on the Satana program telecast on Sirasa TV yesterday, emphasized that no one has the right to pressure or harass another person for any reason. He stated that simply being a senior university student does not grant the right to mistreat juniors.
He further affirmed that Sri Lanka does not tolerate impunity for criminal acts. The President assured the public that if the ongoing investigation reveals evidence of criminal conduct related to the student’s death, the full force of the law will be applied to the perpetrators.
He also called upon university administrations to proactively prevent such incidents of ragging, which the government strongly condemns. The President warned that if university authorities fail to address the issue effectively, the government will directly intervene to put an end to this outdated and oppressive practice.
