News
Spate of abuse at schools and campuses highlight the underbelly of our education system
View(s):By Tharushi Weerasinghe
A senior lecturer has been suspended pending investigations following the suicide of a student at the Wayamba National College of Education in Bingiriya earlier this week.
The 23-year-old student, from Teldeniya, Kandy, was found by her roommates, who called emergency services. The student had passed by the time she arrived at the hospital.
Bismarck Swangin
Sri Lanka Police told the Sunday Times on Saturday that the investigations into the incident were closed following the submission of reports relevant to the suicide inquiry.
The Ministry of Education, however, is conducting an independent inquiry of its own with a committee led by an additional secretary of the Ministry. The committee commenced investigations following a report submitted by the College president and is currently conducting interviews of students over accusations of psychological abuse by lecturers, driving the student to her death.
The news comes just weeks following the suicide of Charith Dilshan, a student of Sabaragamuwa University, who died following a severe ragging incident.
Nalaka Kaluwewa
On Wednesday, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court regarding the incident. The petition holds 69 respondents accountable, including university officials, the University Grants Commission, and education authorities, alleging systemic failures and a lack of enforcement of anti-ragging laws. It calls for justice for Charith, institutional reform, strict enforcement of regulations, and recognition of every student’s right to education in dignity and safety, citing violations of constitutional rights and requesting action under the Prevention of Ragging Act No.20 of 1998.
Ten students remain in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department over the incident, with investigations continuing.
“The university investigation is being conducted by a committee consisting of 3 members of the university council and 2 University Grants Commission officials,” said Prof. Sunil Shantha, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sabaragamuwa. 16 students have been suspended over ragging allegations so far. Prof. Shantha noted that timelines had not been imposed on the committee to ensure an independent investigation and because interviews with the students in custody at Kuruwita prison were complicated to organise. “Managing times and questioning of those students is what is taking a lot of time,” he noted.
Prof. M. Sunil Shantha
A separate task force appointed by the Ministry of Education is also working on more long-term measures, according to Secretary of Education Nalaka Kaluwewe. “We have all the regulations and laws we need; it is the implementation that is a problem,” he observed. Mr. Kaluwewe noted that the lapses in implementation are the primary focus of the task force.
Another committee is conducting preliminary studies on child protection measures in schools. This follows the suicide of a student from Hindu Ladies’ College, who had been sexually assaulted by her math teacher.
The student’s death drew public outrage after parents revealed that the principal allowed the teacher to return to school after he was released on bail, despite an ongoing police investigation. It was also alleged that the student was later bullied by a private tuition institute owner, which allegedly contributed to her suicide.
Court proceedings are ongoing, and the Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered police to submit a progress report on the investigation by 23 June.
A new principal has been temporarily appointed while the Education Ministry conducts an independent inquiry. “Once that report is submitted, we can move forward with disciplinary action and identify the procedural lapses that led to this tragedy,” said Mr. Kaluwewe.
Another severe case of physical violence and grave sexual abuse against a younger player of the St. Peter’s College Rugby Team by his seniors is under investigation by the National Child Protection Authority. The spate of suicides and abuse accusations is drawing widespread criticism and concern about safety and support mechanisms within educational institutions in Sri Lanka.
“No child should have to die or endure suffering due to preventable causes, be it abuse or violence of any form, anywhere,” said Bismarck Swangin, Chief of Communication at UNICEF Sri Lanka who noted that where any such abuse does occur, cases must be handled fast and effectively with a focus on avoiding further harm on the child.
“Urgent action is needed to show zero tolerance for violence against children and ensure offenders are held accountable,” he said. He stressed the importance of systems that support safe reporting, proper investigations, and, most importantly, access to mental health and psychosocial care for affected children and families.
He noted that Sri Lanka needs to systematically map and strengthen existing mental health and psychosocial support services to ensure children and youth are referred for help when needed.
UNICEF is currently engaging with the government to provide technical expertise and support specific efforts to address child abuse.
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