Two investigations into J’pura student ragging incident

• University and Police to carry out investigations
• Bandula urges all parties to join to prevent ragging
• But assures Govt. will not interfere in university internal affairs

Higher Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana yesterday said that two investigations were being carried out into the incident where a first year student of the Sri Jayawardenepura University was hit on the head with a tyre during ragging, and is currently in critical condition, but stopped short of outlining specific action. 

Accordingly, an internal investigation is being carried out by the Vice Chancellor of the Sri Jayawardenepura University and Mirihana Police Crime Division is investigating the incident following a complaint made by the student’s family. 

Minister Bandula Gunawardana

The 20 year old student, identified as Pasindu Hirshan, was admitted to Colombo National Hospital on 5 March and is currently being treated in the Intensive Care Unit. According to hospital sources, the student is suffering from brain injuries and internal bleeding. Police said statements will be recorded from students and medical officials of the ambulance that took Hirshan to the hospital. Issuing a statement, Gunawardana said he would urge all religious leaders, teachers, parents and children to support the prevention of ragging. But he also assured that the Government will not interfere in the internal affairs of universities.

“President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has shown in the past that he will not interfere with internal affairs of universities. He does not want to oppress students. He wants to set up a system where all students who are eligible to enter university to pursue a university degree can do so peacefully,” it said.

 He charged that while the Government is attempting to find a solution to provide accessibility to every students for higher education, some students continue to practice ragging. In the statement, Gunawardana pointed out that in recent years more than 2000 university students have left the university system annually due to ragging.