A 23-year-old second-year student from the Department of Engineering Technology at Sabaragamuwa University has died by suicide, reportedly due to a distressing ragging incident.
The student, Charith Dilshan, had attended the university’s New Year festival on 27 April and returned to his home in Ihalagama, Gampola, the following day. On the evening of 29 April, he was found dead. Family members and friends have alleged that the humiliation he suffered during the ragging at the New Year celebrations led to his untimely death.
In response to this heartbreaking incident, the Ministry of Education has appointed a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the student’s death, ensuring a thorough and unbiased probe.
Meanwhile, the Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) has issued a statement expressing their profound sorrow over the loss. The IUSF has called for a complete, impartial investigation into the matter, demanding severe punishment for those found responsible if the allegations of ragging are confirmed.
“We, as the Inter University Students’ Federation, express our deep sorrow over the sudden demise of Brother Charith Dilshan. We call for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be held accountable,” the IUSF stated. They further emphasized that the student movement does not condone regressive cultural practices such as ragging, and such practices must be eradicated from universities.
The IUSF also urged all university students to join in the effort to eliminate backward cultural remnants like ragging, which hinder the progress of the student movement. The federation called for a serious cultural dialogue within the university community to address this issue.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on preventing such incidents in the future and ensuring that universities become spaces of respect and dignity for all students.
If you need mental health support dial 1926 – the 24/7 hotline operated by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Angoda.
