The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has filed a fundamental rights petition before the Supreme Court, calling for strict legal action against those responsible for the alleged ragging and subsequent suicide of Charith Dilshan, a 23-year-old second-year student at the Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University.
The petition, filed by BASL President Rajiv Amarasuriya and Secretary Chathura Galhena.
The petition names several respondents, including the Vice Chancellor of Sabaragamuwa University, the university’s disciplinary committee, the University Grants Commission, the Ministers of Education and Justice, the Inspector General of Police, the Ministers of Public Security and Defence, and the Attorney General.
According to the petitioners, Charith Dilshan was subjected to prolonged and degrading ragging by senior students, leading to severe psychological trauma.
The incident reportedly occurred on April 26, 2025.
The BASL argues that the failure of university authorities, law enforcement, and regulatory bodies to enforce anti-ragging laws and protect students directly contributed to the tragedy.
The petition cites violations of fundamental rights under Articles 11 and 12(1) of the Constitution, which guarantee protection from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, and the right to equality before the law.
(News1st)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)
