A 23-year-old second-year student at the Wayamba National College of Education in Bingiriya tragically died by suicide on the afternoon of 23 September.
According to Police, the student was found by a fellow hostel roommate, who promptly informed the Bingiriya Police Station. The Police Media Unit stated that the cause of the incident has not yet been determined.
However, students at the institution allege that inhumane behaviour by certain lecturers contributed to the tragedy. Her batchmates claim that the student, identified as Sanjeewani, had been subjected to prolonged psychological harassment by a lecturer, which they believe led her to take her own life. A protest was held on the evening of 24 September, with students demanding justice and a full investigation.
Students further alleged that when she was discovered, she was still alive, but delays in providing medical attention may have contributed to her death. Despite the urgency, they claim that college authorities insisted on obtaining formal written permission to take her out of the premises—even during the emergency.
Although transportation facilities were available within the college, students say they were not permitted to use them. Eventually, they flagged down a passing three-wheeler and took her to the hospital, but she had already passed away by the time they arrived.
Students have continued to protest, calling for justice for Sanjeewani and immediate action against those responsible for the alleged harassment.
As of now, the college administration has not issued a statement regarding the incident.
(If you need mental health assistance dial 1926 – hotline of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Angoda)
