Undergrad abuse is criminal and has caused deaths

In state universities of Sri Lanka, ragging, where undergraduates are involved in physical or psychological cruelty under the guise of ‘ initiation’ sometimes, is simply abuse and is a violation of human rights, which also encourages sexual and gender-based violence. Ragging was made a criminal offence under the Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act No. 20 of 1998. It defines ragging, as “any act which causes or is likely to cause physical or psychological injury or mental pain or fear to a student or a member of the staff of an educational institution’’. The act imposes jail terms for those convicted — up to 10 years for some offences. The University of Peradeniya drew wide attention in 2002 when undergrad Ms Rupa Ratnaseeli who became paralysed by ragging in 1975, took her own life. Similarly, in 1997, Mr S. Varapragash died from kidney failure after being abused at Peradeniya University. The Government and education authorities have taken legislative, administrative, and institutional initiatives against ragging, but incidents continue to surface.