Anti-ragging student brutally assaulted at University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Saturday, 3 May 2025 00:47 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A third-year student from the Faculty of Technology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura was hospitalised yesterday, after being violently assaulted by a group of fellow students, allegedly for opposing ragging and rejecting the use of a student alias.

The student, currently receiving treatment at Weligama District Hospital, sustained serious injuries to his head and spine after being attacked with motorcycle helmets. Reports indicate that the assailants — believed to be around 20 students from both third and fourth years — stormed into his hostel and carried out the brutal assault.

This latest incident has sparked fresh outrage across the country, coming just days after the tragic suicide of a student from the University of Sabaragamuwa. That death has been widely linked to psychological trauma caused by ragging, once again spotlighting the deeply entrenched and often violent campus subculture.

The victim in this case had taken a vocal stance against ragging practices within the university and had refused to adopt a pseudonym, an unofficial tradition tied to hierarchical student politics. His refusal to conform appears to have made him a target.

Authorities have yet to confirm whether disciplinary action or arrests have been made.

Meanwhile, student rights groups and civil society organisations are calling for urgent reforms and stronger enforcement of anti-ragging laws. Many say the existing structures within universities fail to protect students who challenge long-standing abusive traditions.

The attack has reignited calls for an independent investigation and stronger accountability from university administrations. As public pressure mounts, national universities face renewed scrutiny over their ability and willingness to confront the deep-rooted culture of ragging.

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