Razor-slashing ragging at SJU: Suspension of management faculty students sparks agitation

Using a discarded razor to inflict wounds on a student’s face was just one of a number of ragging-related complaints received from Management Faculty newcomers, a senior professor at Sri Jayawardenepura University said.

This week, the university's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Pathmalal Manage, announced that the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce would be closed until further notice. Students of all years were prohibited from entering the university premises.

The announcement was made after student unions demanded that the suspension of several students, allegedly involved in ragging incidents, including the above one, be lifted.

“The closure will result in the postponement of examinations and a temporary halt in academic activities. But the university will stick to its anti-ragging policy,” senior professor Mayura Samarakoon said.

He said student groups were demanding that the class suspension of two years imposed on a group of students be lifted and they be permitted to sit exams.

“These students surrounded the administrative board building (Senate) when a meeting was being held. The electricity line was disconnected. The VC and about 20 deans of faculties and senior professors were in when they surrounded the building,” he said.

The decision on class suspension was taken by the university council following the recommendations of the disciplinary board, he said.

However, the Inter University Students Federation said the suspension was a ruse to suppress student activists.

Following the announcement, students staged a satyagraha demanding that the Management Faculty be opened and the suspension of the students be lifted.