LNP – Education Minister calls for urgent measures to end ragging and violence in universities

Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has called for the formulation of comprehensive recommendations and measures to eradicate ragging, harassment, and all forms of violence within the university system and other higher education institutions.

The Minister made these remarks during a discussion held today (July 2) at the Education Ministry with members of the National Task Force for the Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions.

She said that the task force, appointed for a three-year term, would be vested with the necessary powers and receive full state support to investigate and take action against incidents of violence perpetrated by students, academic, and non-academic staff in universities and other higher education settings.

During the meeting, task force representatives highlighted various personal and social factors contributing to violent incidents, including poor relationships between education administrators, staff, and students, unhealthy student attitudes toward bullying, and the misuse of violence to gain compliance and respect. They also pointed to administrative and academic pressures, such as those linked to grading and class achievements, which contribute to student stress.

Minister Amarasuriya pointed out the importance of implementing both short- and long-term measures to address these issues. She noted that legal action alone would not suffice and called for the development of new mechanisms, updates to existing laws, and the introduction of attitude development programs to foster a safer, more supportive educational environment.