The recent death of a student at Sabaragamuwa University, allegedly linked to freshman bullying has reignited alarm bells about a disturbing trend haunting Sri Lankan campuses: a dangerous lack of awareness surrounding anti-bullying laws.
Despite strict legislation under the Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Harassment and Other Forms of Violence) Act, many students still face brutal initiation rituals masked as “ragging,” resulting in trauma, hospitalizations, and in some tragic cases death.
The law, which criminalizes all forms of physical, emotional, and sexual harassment in educational institutions, imposes severe penalties: those found guilty may face rigorous imprisonment, and if the abuse causes serious harm, up to 10 years behind bars. Offenders may also be required to compensate victims.
Yet, the law remains largely unknown or worse, ignored by both perpetrators and victims.
Bullying in universities is far from new. Once perceived as a twisted “rite of passage” to foster unity between juniors and seniors, it has since morphed into a system of humiliation and abuse. Research suggests that what was once about bonding is now an unchecked gateway to psychological warfare and even sexual harassment.
While the latest case remains under investigation, many fear that this was yet another avoidable tragedy. The student was in his second year, well past the usual ragging period raising questions about whether bullying is now creeping beyond the first year.
Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa admitted that although hazing has been curbed in many universities, the recent incident is both unexpected and disturbing.
“In the past, bullying was confined to freshmen. But this time, the victim was a second-year student. It signals a shift and a growing threat,” he noted.
He further acknowledged that while the anti-bullying law exists, its impact is blunted by poor awareness. “We’re now looking into revising how we enforce and educate students about it. This tragedy is a wake-up call.”
Meanwhile, Rajarata University Vice-Chancellor Dr. P.H.G. Janaka Pushpakumara said that ragging has been almost entirely eliminated in his institution’s medical and allied sciences faculties, but admits other departments are not as disciplined. “Some complaints do emerge,” he said.
The key concern now is clear: Without urgent awareness campaigns, firmer implementation, and cultural reform within campus communities, Sri Lanka’s universities risk remaining breeding grounds for silent abuse—where students suffer in fear, unaware that justice is already written in law.
How many more lives must be lost before the law is not only known, but enforced?
