IUSF demands probe into student’s death

Friday, 2 May 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden death of Charith Dilshan, a second-year student of the Department of Engineering Technology at the Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University.

Issuing a statement, the IUSF noted that allegations have emerged suggesting the death may be linked to ragging. The Federation urged authorities to conduct a full and impartial investigation without bias or narrow interpretations and called for strict punishment if any individuals are found responsible.

The IUSF also reiterated its longstanding stance against ragging, describing it as a backward cultural practice that has no place in modern universities. The Federation warned that such incidents are often exploited by authorities to strengthen arguments in favour of privatising education, adding that ragging has never contributed to the true victories of the student movement.

Emphasising the need for change, the IUSF said that all regressive cultural remnants must be eradicated from universities. It called upon all students to engage in a serious cultural dialogue aimed at eliminating such practices once and for all.