STUDENTS SLAM HRCSL FOR INACTION OVER COMPLAINTS

The Sabaragamuwa University’s Students Unity (SUSU) which is currently operating as an unofficial students union following its proscription by the university administration, strongly hit out at the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) for failing to conduct a proper inquiry into three complaints lodged by them. In their complaints they had challenged the university administration’s decision to ban the functioning of

After a lapse of eight months, the HRCSL failed to issue a recommendation regarding the incident, even after completing the inquiry

student unions and the suspension of several students from attending lectures.

SUSU activist Tharindu Amarasinghe told the Daily Mirror that the students had made a complaint with the HRCSL in April, 2012 against the administration decision to ban the students unions. “After a lapse of eight months, the HRCSL failed to issue a recommendation regarding the incident, even after completing the inquiry,” the activist alleged.

The SUSU further alleged that the HRCSL was following a lethargic policy with regard to two other complaints they made over the suspension of 37 students from attending lectures. “The HRCSL has so far failed to commence its investigations into these two particular complaints after a lapse of five months. So, we don’t have faith in the HRCSL as the national human rights institution.

The SUSU further told that they were currently seeking legal assistance to cope with the prevailing situation.

Meanwhile, the organisation vowed to continue its struggle to safeguard the rights of the students and safeguard free education in the country amid continuous suppression imposed by the government.