Sabaragamuwa University’s governing council has decided to expel 11 students and cancel the student status of three others following an inquiry into allegations of ragging linked to the death of a second-year student in its Faculty of Technology, Dinamina newspaper reported.
A university official described the disciplinary action as the most severe imposed on students found responsible for ragging at a Sri Lankan university.
The governing council issued its formal inquiry report last week into serious disciplinary violations involving harassment and physical and psychological threats against the deceased student and other students.
Vice Chancellor Prof. M. S. Udayakumara communicated the decision to the 14 students on the council’s instructions. Their registration at the university will be permanently canceled, and they will no longer be entitled to any rights or privileges afforded to internal students.
They are also prohibited from entering or remaining on university grounds, faculty premises, hostels or any property administered by the university without the Vice Chancellor’s prior written permission.
The student, identified as Chairth Dilshan, died by suicide at his home on April 29, 2025. His parents alleged that he had experienced severe ragging and physical and psychological abuse at the university before his death.
Police and the Criminal Investigation Department launched investigations into the allegations. Police arrested 14 students suspected of involvement in the ragging incident, and legal proceedings were instituted against them.
