Saudi Arabian Ambassador Khalid bin Hamoud Al Kahtani said that graduation is not just the conclusion of academic chapter but the beginning of great responsibility and a new sense of hope and a life long journey of growth and innovation.

Delivering convocation address at South Eastern University recently, he said:Today is a special day in our life when we come together to celebrate years of hard work, dedication and learning as well as to acknowledge and appreciate the successful students and wish them a future filled with success and joy. Graduation is not just conclusion of our academic chapter but the beginning of great responsibility and a new sense of hope and a life long journey of growth and innovation.

This shining moment is the resolve to feel the hard work, the support of family and the commitment of lecturers. Saudi Arabia’s national road map for future place a strong emphasis on education and development of human capital. We strongly believe that most valuable investment is in minds and human capitalism for the foundation of a new successful, sustainable future. Today you are honoured with the crown of knowledge, so rise to meet the responsibility it preaches, uphold the value of integrity, loyalty and responsibility. You are an ambassador of knowledge – great in your field, and a source of pride to your family and community. The road is on your way of innovation and your country looks forward to your contribution.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the administration of South Eastern University, its team and lecturers for their academic guidance and moral support to their students as well as for their outstanding role in advancing education. I would also like to express my heartfelt congratulations to the parents here to have supported their children towards this remarkable achievement. They are true parents! We look forward to greater educational cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka in the future.”

dereliction of duty on the part of the relevant institution, and these authorities must be held accountable for the same.

The BASL is deeply concerned on the inadequate implementation of the provisions of the `Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act No. 20 of 1998’, by Law Enforcement Authorities, against perpetrators of ragging and violence in these Institutions. The BASL is also mindful of the applicability of the provisions of the ‘Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Act No. 22 of 1994’ and the relevant provisions of the Penal Code.

The BASL urges all responsible authorities in Universities and other High Educational Institutions to take necessary preemptive action and incorporate a zero-tolerance policy on unlawful ragging.

The BASL will closely monitor the case filed by the Samanalawewa Police in the Magistrate’s Court of Balangoda and urges the authorities to take all necessary legal measures to ensure the rule of law and the due enforcement of the law. The BASL is also considering seeking intervention of the Courts of Law to ensure better implementation and enforcement of the applicable Law.”

Meanwhile Sabaragamuwa VC M. Sunil Shantha has appointed a committee consisting of Senior Prof. A.A.Y. Amarasinghe (Chairman) Prof. Kapila Rathnayaka and Attorney-at-Law Y.S. Chandrasekara to investigate the incident.

From M.A. Kaleel, Kalmunai Corr.