Education Minister Professor G.L. Peiris has told top academics and officials that ragging shouldn’t be tolerated any longer under any circumstances.

In separate discussions with the University Grants Commission, officials of the Ministry of Higher Education, Vice-Chancellors of Universities and Presidents of the National Colleges of Education, the minister, who is also the Chairman of the ruling SLPP, said that the scourge of ragging had to be eliminated.

The Minster discussed with the UGC matters connected with the reopening of universities and their functioning.

Prof Peiris stressed the importance of a zero tolerance policy as regards ragging. Other matters discussed were the modernisation of courses of study, language training to enhance employment prospects, systemic provision for career counselling, and criteria for appointment of persons outside the university system to the governing bodies, the Councils of Universities.

With the Presidents of the National Colleges of Education, the Minister discussed to hold a series of interactive sessions countrywide with parents, teachers, students, alumni organisations, and other stakeholders on changes in curricula and teaching methods.

State Minister of Dhamma Schools, Bhikku Education, Pirivenas and Buddhist Universities Vijitha Berugoda, the Chairman of the UGC, Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunge, vice chancellors and other members participated.