In a decisive move to strengthen student safety across Sri Lanka’s higher education institutions, Professor K. L. Wasantha Kumara has been appointed to lead the newly formed Task Force to Prevent all Forms of violence, including ragging in universities

The 16-member panel comprising individuals from varied backgrounds and fields was established to create a robust and functional structure capable of enforcing measures to curb ragging and other forms of violence. The task group will lead the nation’s anti-ragging initiatives in state universities, according to Deputy Education Minister Madura Seneviratne, and all matters will receive the careful consideration they require.

Both staff and students will be covered by the new anti-ragging and harassment program, and anyone who experiences harassment can seek recourse through programs that put victims’ rights first.

The deputy minister assured that complaints will be heard expeditiously. “Usually around 1,000 complaints are received in a year but less get inquired into. This will be changed under the new system,” he said.

Hostel harassment and ragging will also be addressed, and wardens and marshals will be held accountable if such instances occur on the hostel’s property.

He stated that the UGC will be in charge of the anti-harassment and anti-ragging initiatives.

According to the deputy minister, new legislation is being considered, but the current anti-ragging statute is sufficient to deal with offenders.

The other members of the task force are Prof Prabha Manurathna – Director, Centre for Gender Equality and Equity (CGEE), University Grants Commission, Professor Hemamali Gunathilaka – Member, UGC, Professor Wijaya Jayathilake – Former member of CGEE, Dr Sayuri Perera – Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Shanika Malalgoda – National Child Protection Authority, Apsara Kaldera – Additional Secretary, Higher Education Division, Ministry of Education, Gunadasa Samarasekara – Additional Secretary, Vocational Education Division, Ministry of Education, Dr Chinthaka Perera – Director, University College of Batangala, A G A Jalitha Kumara – Director, Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technology – Colombo 15. J P Wijayathilaka Jayasinghe – University of Colombo, University Non-Academic Employees’ Representation, W A A Werahera – University of Peradeniya, representing the University Disciplinary Division, Kavidu Bimsara – Secretary, General Students’ Union, University of Colombo, student of the Faculty of Law, and Sajini Vatsala – Secretary, General Students’ Union, University of Moratuwa. (DWI)