BY Ruwani Fonseka

Stern action has been taken by the University Disciplinary committee and the University Grants Commission for students involved in ragging, says Vavuniya University Vice Chancellor Prof. T Mangaleswaran.

He made this statement while speaking to The Morning today (13), in response to reports of 'severe ragging' within the university premises.

"Yes, there have been multiple incidents last month of first year students who severely ragged freshmen (1st year students) who join the university. When we receive information or complaints from students, we take the matter to the University Grants Commission along with the University Disciplinary Committee, who then, after an inquiry, decides the course of discipline that needs to be taken. We do not accept ragging of any sort and we take stern action," said Prof Mangaleswaran.

He further noted that the university has gone to the extent of suspending or expelling students who engage in raging.

"Whether in the premises or not, seniors ragging juniors, or anyone for that matter, will not be accepted and tolerated. There are multiple incidents and we do our best to make sure it does not repeatedly happen," he stated.

One particular incident took place on the 15th of May 2023, when 2nd year students ragged freshman students by digging a ditch, filling it with water and making the students get into the ditch. 

The junior students were completely submerged in the murky water in the middle of the night, while the seniors mocked and poked fun at the juniors.

Juniors who made it to day break in the ditch would then be invited to a 'Welcome Party' by the seniors. 

Prof. Mangaleswaran stated that this was true and that 'strict action has been taken'.