A third-year student from the Faculty of Technology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, who had opposed ragging within the university, has been assaulted by a group of fellow students from both the third and fourth years.

The injured student is currently receiving treatment at the Weligama District Hospital.

According to reports, around 20 students had reportedly entered the victim’s hostel and assaulted him severely, striking his head and spine with motorcycle helmets.

This incident comes just days after a student at the University of Sabaragamuwa took his life, allegedly due to mental distress caused by ragging.

The Department of Registration of Persons states that public services, including one-day services, will not be available at the head office and provincial offices on May 06 and 07.

Australia goes into elections as 18 million voters will determine who the next prime minister will be.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of the left-leaning Australian Labor Party is seeking re-election and his challenger is Peter Dutton of the conservative Liberal-National coalition.

Cost of living is the main election issue. Voters are also concerned about the affordability of health care and housing.

Donald Trump also looms over the vote as Australia, whose people value “mateship” of friendship and loyalty, is not spared from the US president’s tariffs.

There’s a record 111 overseas voting locations across 83 countries this year, according to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The largest hubs of Australians abroad are in Berlin, Hong Kong, London and New York. 

Official results can take days or even weeks to come, but as soon as polls close, the Australian Electoral Commission will start releasing unofficial preliminary results, which historically indicates who will form the next government.

(Agencies)