No cases have been filed in the last 5 years on ragging by the 17 state universities established under the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya informed the Parliament today.
Briefing the Parliament, PM Amarasuriya said the Ministry of Higher Education has taken several measures and has formulated a programme to prevent ragging at higher education institutes in Sri Lanka.
PM Amarasuriya further said that recommendations made by the University Grants Commission (UGC) have already been implemented in this regard.
She explained that they are making necessary amendments to the circular issued by the UGC pertaining to ragging, strengthening and improving the existing system for receiving complaints related to ragging, and enabling the existing complaints hotline to be operational 24/7.
The Prime Minister further said that Ragging Prevention Task Forces have been established at all state universities under the guidance of a subcommittee appointed by the UGC.
“A system has been made where any complaint made through this system will immediately notify the Task Force and UGC officials of the incident,” she said.
PM Amarasuriya also revealed that it has been proposed to establish a Victim-Focused Support System, which will further strengthen the complaint system and provide necessary support for the victims and witnesses.
“Through this system, we intend to provide legal, psychological and medical support, as well as the necessary Police assistance. This system will also enable the coordination among other relevant authorities. It will further provide a rehabilitation process for those accused of ragging. It will also provide training for the university and hostel authorities on maintaining the confidentiality of victims and witnesses. The UGC has already issued a circular containing the guidelines of the new Victim-Focused Support System,” she said.
PM Amarasuriya said that awareness programs against ragging have also been introduced for all university students, including those regarding student councils.
She pointed out that it has been observed that ragging at state universities is not limited to first-year students, but has become a traditional activity spreading to other senior years as well, adding that it is a serious issue in the university system at present.
Minister of Higher Education and PM Harini Amarasuriya made the remarks responding to questions raised by the opposition. (Newswire)