Supreme Court Orders Strict Enforcement of Anti-Ragging Guidelines in Sri Lankan Universities

Strategic Insights -

A fundamental rights petition filed by Pasindu Hirushan de Silva, who suffered severe injuries during a ragging incident at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in 2020, has prompted the Supreme Court to order the strict enforcement of anti-ragging guidelines in Sri Lankan universities. The court directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other relevant authorities to provide necessary financial and technical support for the implementation of the guidelines. The court also ordered the effective enforcement of all existing laws and institutional policies to curb ragging, which has led to several students abandoning their university education, leaving some disabled, and in extreme cases, committing suicide.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Supreme Court has directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other relevant authorities to strictly enforce anti-ragging guidelines in Sri Lankan universities.
  • The court has ordered the Minister of Education and Higher Education to provide necessary financial and technical support for the implementation of the guidelines.
  • The court has also ordered the effective enforcement of all existing laws and institutional policies to curb ragging.
  • Ragging has led to several students abandoning their university education, leaving some disabled, and in extreme cases, committing suicide.
  • Pasindu Hirushan de Silva, the petitioner, suffered severe head and chest trauma during a ragging incident at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in 2020 and has undergone extensive treatment and physiotherapy.
  • The incident has highlighted the need for institutional reforms and heightened oversight to prevent future instances of ragging.
  • Despite existing legal frameworks, policies, and regulatory mechanisms, ragging remains a persistent problem in Sri Lankan universities.
  • The court has condemned the "deeply ingrained practice" of ragging within the university culture, highlighting its negative impact on academic access and fostering abuse under the guise of institutional norms.
  • Sharks, ragging has also been recognized as an institutionalized manifestation of prejudice, preventing students from equal opportunities, fostering discrimination, and enabling systemic injustices.
  • A 2022 study on Prevalence of Ragging and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Sri Lankan State Universities revealed that nearly 59% of students had experienced ragging in some form, and female students are severely traumatised by the experience.
  • The court has ordered State universities to adopt wide-ranging safety measures, including Victim Support Committees, surveillance and safety measures, revised Disciplinary Bylaws, confidential reporting systems, and Foundation and Mentoring Programs.
  • The case will be recalled in January 2026 to review the progress made in implementing the court's orders.

Statistics:

  • Pasindu Hirushan de Silva, the petitioner, underwent multiple surgeries and spent over three months in intensive care due to his injuries.
  • He required extensive physiotherapy, including chest therapy, limb rehabilitation, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
  • A 2022 study revealed that nearly 59% of students had experienced ragging in some form at the University of Jaffna.
  • The same study found that female students are severely traumatised by the ragging experience.
  • Several students have abandoned their university education due to ragging, and some have even committed suicide.
  • Ragging has become a significant problem in Sri Lankan universities, with the court condemning the "deeply ingrained practice" of ragging within the university culture.

Sources:

  • Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, Fundamental Rights Petition No. 447/2020.
  • University Grants Commission (UGC).
  • Centre for Gender Equity and Equality of the University Grants Commission in partnership with UNICEF.
  • Study on Prevalence of Ragging and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Sri Lankan State Universities (2022).
  • University of Jaffna.