The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has urged all responsible authorities in Universities and other Higher Educational Institutions to take necessary preemptive action and incorporate a zero-tolerance policy on unlawful ragging.

The BASL said this in a statement issued yesterday (May 05) with regard to the recent suicide by a student at the Sabaragamuwa University connected with an alleged incident of ragging. 

The BASL says they strongly condemn any form of ragging, bullying or violence directed at any student at any educational institution which is not only violative of the law but also in violation of basic human values and conduct.

“The BASL is deeply concerned about the inadequate implementation of the provisions of the ‘Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act No. 20 of 1998’, by law enforcement authorities, against perpetrators of ragging and violence in these Institutions. The BASL is also mindful of the applicability of the provisions of the ‘Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Act No. 22 of 1994’ and the relevant provisions of the Penal Code,” the statement notes.

“The BASL is also considering seeking intervention of the Courts of Law to ensure better implementation and enforcement of the applicable law,” the statement added.

The full statement of the BASL is as follows :

Academic activities of 11 students of the Sabaragamuwa University have been suspended over the recent death of a student allegedly due to ragging, police said.

The suspended students include the 04 third year students arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department on Sunday (May 04), reports say.

Meanwhile, 04 more students of the university were handed over to the CID for questioning after surrendering to the Samanalawewa Police, reports add.

The Department of Meteorology says that several spells of showers will occur in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the Central, Uva, North-Central, and Eastern provinces and in the Hambantota district after 1.00 p.m today (May 06).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places elsewhere on the island during the afternoon or night.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in the Central and Uva provinces and in the Ampara and Polonnaruwa districts during the morning.