Disturbing pattern of ragging in schools must end
Disturbing traditions adopted at school level by certain individuals, particularly in team sports, are double-edged swords. When someone becomes a victim, the emotional damage can far exceed the physical. Yet when these same victims later participate in these distressing traditions, they perpetuate an almost indestructible cycle.
Recent days have been difficult for many Sri Lankans concerned with ethics. First, Kandy was transformed from a hill capital to what some described as a “swill capital” due to the behaviour of thousands of pilgrims. Then came news of a second-year university student taking his own life after enduring inhumane ragging by senior students—another troubling tradition that persists. Most recently, a distressing incident occurred involving the alleged sexual abuse of a minor at a leading boys’ school in Colombo.
The incident, involving a 15-year-old rugby player allegedly assaulted by senior team members, represents a disturbing pattern that demands immediate intervention from educational authorities in the country. What many dismiss as “tradition” has evolved into systematic abuse. The victim in this case reportedly required hospital treatment for injuries to his head, neck, and chest after refusing to comply with his abusers’ demands.
The incident, according to close sources, has taken place on April 22 during a training camp conducted to the school’s senior rugby team, and the news broke few days later when a teacher noted an unusual change in victim’s behaviour.
On May 1, St. Peter’s College took preemptive action by issuing an official letter to the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA), withdrawing from the Schools Under-19 Knockout Rugby Championship. The team had been scheduled to compete against Zahira College, who now advances automatically to the semi-finals, with the final set for the following Sunday.
What began as rumour quickly solidified into fact following the letter’s issuance. Unfortunately, St. Peter’s College authorities may have compromised both their reputation as a leading Catholic institution prominent in school sports and the well-being of those involved—both the accused (whose numbers remain unconfirmed) and, most importantly, the victim.
“In consideration of various allegations against some players being given wide circulation in the media and considering the need for the College to inquire into and ascertain the accuracy of such allegations towards further action and in the overall interests of St. Peter’s College in upholding its cherished values and in the interests of all concerned, St. Peter’s College in the interim is reluctantly compelled to withdraw its Team from further participation in the ongoing Sri Lanka Schools Dialog Under-19 Knockout Rugby Tournament 2025 Presidents Trophy. St. Peter’s College regrets the inconvenience caused,” stated the letter issued on May 1.
Had St. Peter’s conducted a prompt investigation and addressed the matter internally from the moment of discovery, they might have issued a different statement while maintaining their participation in the championship. The incident might not have escalated to become a matter of public interest had they acted decisively at the outset. Now, with the involvement of law enforcement institutions including the National Child Protection Authority and Sri Lanka Police, the situation’s resolution remains to be seen.
The issue gained additional attention through social media, where some individuals discussed it responsibly, acknowledging the sensitivity involved, while others recklessly elevated the matter by posting pictures of the victim and his family on public platforms. Commenting on their personal facebook walls, Ashen Abeysekara and Anastasia Pathirana, have carelessly twisted the delicate matter into another level.
The news for such individuals is that authorities of St. Peter’s have agreed to fully corporate with investigations carried out by the National Child Protection Authority, and that the family of the victim has lodged a complaint to the police about the social media posts and comments that has brought disrepute to the victim, his family and the school itself. This means those who carelessly acted may have to own the consequences for their actions when law enforcement institutions begin investigation process.
A senior official from the National Child Protection Authority confirmed receiving a complaint from a minor student of St. Peter’s College and his family against several senior students. School officials have announced their own internal inquiry scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, with further action to be determined by its outcome.
School authorities have also stated that any player found responsible will be removed from St. Peter’s senior rugby programme, with possible suspensions to maintain the school’s reputation and deliver justice to the victim.
Under Sri Lankan law, sexual abuse constitutes a serious offence under Section 345 of the Penal Code. If found guilty, the accused could face up to five years’ imprisonment, substantial fines, or both, depending on the severity of the offence. World Rugby, the sport’s international governing body, maintains strict policies against sexual abuse, particularly involving minors. This means Sri Lanka could come under scrutiny if the matter isn’t handled appropriately—an additional burden on Sri Lankan rugby, which already faces significant administrative challenges despite continued success in national teams’ and domestic competitions.
Now that the matter extends beyond St. Peter’s boundaries, the school must conduct an impartial investigation. Any attempt to minimise or dismiss the issue would further damage the school’s reputation and signal to the nation that this respected institution treats such serious matters lightly.
As constructively discussed by certain experts, this incident should serve as a wake-up call for all institutions—whether schools, universities, workplaces, or any environment where minors might be vulnerable. As highlighted in a recent intellectual panel discussion, officials seeking resolution should focus on integrity in school sports, student welfare, accountability in school rugby administration, broader reforms, constructive action, and support rather than punishment.
The responsibility now falls to the school to handle this situation appropriately, both for the sake of rugby and, more importantly, for its students.