Features

Intractability of ragging in universities

Published

10 months ago

2025/12/21

With reference to the article titled “When Justice steps in: The Supreme Court breaks the Cycle of Ragging Impunity” (The Island – 14.12.2025) by J. A. A. S. Ranasinghe, one is hopeful that finally the government would take effective steps to bring ragging in the universities under control. The onus is on the government to see that the law of the country extends to the universities which didn’t seem to happen in the past. Successive governments are responsible for the continuation of the “Cycle of Ragging Impunity” the writer refers to. I will come to that later. Several raggers were allowed to get away with maim and murder. The law of the country and the penal code are well equipped to deal with verbal and physical harassment, defamation, grievous hurt, torture and murder that may happen in any part of the country which must include the universities.

New anti-ragging laws may have been necessary to deal with the complex situation where witnesses are not readily available due to fear of retaliation and where law enforcement authorities are most unwelcome. As the new laws too have not been implemented effectively the Supreme Court had directed the AG to prepare a new set of guidelines in consultation with universities and law enforcement authorities. These guidelines squarely place the responsibility of dealing with ragging on the shoulders of these authorities. For instance, if a member of the university staff does not report an incident of ragging, he or she is liable to be sanctioned. One hopes these measures would be adequate to effectively bring ragging under control though past experience brings to mind lingering doubt and apprehension.

Ragging in Sri Lankan universities is a well-organized and deeply entrenched project. It has political, sadistic, psychological and socio-economic elements in its aetiology. Rag leaders are appointed well in advance and the plans drawn up before the new entrants’ arrival. Some staff members overtly or covertly support them mainly for political reasons. These factors may have changed with changing politics but ragging is yet a canker in the universities as could be seen in recent incidents though the severity and frequency seem to have abated to a degree. It remains an evil that needs to be rooted out.

Why have the authorities failed in this matter, requiring the Supreme Court intervention? Blame is apportioned on the UGC, university authorities, vice chancellors and the law enforcement authorities. These bodies together constitute a formidable bloc of authority, power and resources. They may have failed to take action or taken it inadequately but where they have been successful in carrying it through, though seldom, subsequently, they were left to face the wrath of the raggers in all its fury more or less alone. Vice chancellors have been under siege in their offices fearing for their lives. UGC similarly attacked, police officers humiliated. Governments too have felt their mutinous rebellion. Universities had to be closed disrupting the studies of innocent students who were the majority. Moreover, police presence was not tolerated by the students and would invariably lead to confrontation which the authorities wanted to avoid. This resulted in a situation where police protection was not readily available to the VCs when under threat.

The few raggers were able to control the student majority by instilling fear by creating a deep sense of dread in them. They would resort to murder, if necessary, to maintain their position of dominance. The submissive students would get on to the streets and march to topple a government when commanded.

The VCs and staff had to live among murderers knowing that police intervention may not be available in an emergency. The governments too did not want the ragging incidents to grow into student rebellion that could be a threat to its own existence. Thus, nobody wanted to take stern action to clamp down on ragging and take the culprits to task. An attempt to do so had the danger of causing a much wider and violent uprising of students involving all the universities. Everybody preferred to soft peddle. Though the UGC had issued clear guidelines these were seldom followed. For instance, though anti-rag committees were appointed as instructed by the UGC these were ineffective in the main. However, university authorities cannot be blamed for all this for the reasons mentioned above. They know that they cannot rely on the higher authorities to back them and take effective action to guarantee their safety.

That is the disgraceful achievement of raggers of the past that the present day raggers have inherited and may strive to emulate though they may not have the power their predecessors seemed to have. As mentioned, this canker must be totally eradicated without a trace if the universities are to be made safe for those seeking entrance. New entrants must be free of apprehension of being harassed in the slightest manner. Brilliant students must not be driven away by this savage menace in the future if our universities are to improve their image.

It is against this background that we have to see how ragging could be stopped. Ragging must absolutely be treated as a police matter and the government must take steps to ensure that the university authorities are fully backed and their safety ensured by effective police involvement whenever necessary. They must have the freedom and authority to summon the police when law and order is breached or their safety is in the slightest danger. Incidence of ragging must be reported to the police and the police must conduct the investigations in a thorough manner. Victims and witnesses must be given the assurance that there will be no retaliation if they come forward to give evidence.

This could be done only if retaliation is dealt with sternly and those responsible are taken to task and penalized according to the law. Raggers must be made to feel that they are not out of reach of the legal arm and any action to silence the witnesses would entail greater punishment.

In the past, police presence on campuses provoked student protests, sometimes violent and this discouraged university authorities and also governments from calling the police in, unless it was absolutely necessary. However, for a university to qualify as a sanctified seat of learning, where presence of police would be an incongruity or even sacrilegious, an idyllic atmosphere must prevail over its precincts. A place where human torture takes place cannot deserve such privileges.

Legal cases against raggers must be heard and completed promptly and punishment meted out without delay and there should not be sympathy or leniency. Student protests against legal action should not be tolerated and should be clamped down with vigour. Police presence must remain until normalcy returns.

Furthermore, preemptive action could be taken by seeking out the rag leaders and finding evidence about their activities and plans regarding organization of ragging. These activities could be made punishable by law, in the same way that crime is preempted by punishing the plotters. The CID may have to get involved in carrying out this aspect of the project.

As mentioned at the beginning of this note, the onus is on the government to see that ragging in the universities is completely eradicated. It cannot be done without the greater involvement of the police including the CID in order to ensure the safety of the university authorities, staff and particularly the witnesses and also to target the rag leaders. Without strong government backing and support the universities and the law enforcement authorities alone cannot achieve this goal.

by N. A. de S. Amaratunga

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Features

New US sanctions on ICC, a fillip to worldwide political repression

Published

24 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

The International Criminal Court in session. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s warning to the International Criminal Court (ICC) was stark: ‘Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC.’ It followed US central administration accusations that the court was unfairly targeting Americans on the basis of trumped-up war crimes charges.

However, a new plethora of sanctions has been clamped on the ICC by the US, which in turn has spurred accusations by sections of the world that the latter has unleashed an ‘assault’ on the international legal order.

What some of the sanctions would mean for the ICC was outlined by Rubio: ‘We will ban transactions with this rogue court, cutting off their resources and crippling their ability to operate against us.’

The ICC has shown consistency of purpose over the years. Despite some operational constraints it has indicted a large number of political strongmen from around the world, accused of war crimes and other governance excesses that come under its purview. Two such recent figures are: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Rather than enjoy a mere nominal presence in the world community, the ICC has proved its effectiveness by detaining and bringing to justice scores of VIP politicians and others of their ilk who have been found guilty of human rights abuses and kindred excesses that come within the terms of reference of the ICC.

Accordingly, the international justice system would be stymied considerably as a result of the ICC being dis-empowered, particularly financially. Needless to say, potential and real perpetrators of the species of crime coming under the jurisdiction of the ICC would stand to gain most from such anarchic tendencies. That is, political repression globally would be enabled to enjoy a new lease of life.

A detailing of the types of crime coming under the purview of the ICC provides an idea of what it would cost the international community if the ICC’s operations are gravely hampered. They are mainly: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.

That is, the part of the world to be worst affected would be the global South, since the latter is awash with the mentioned crimes. Needless to say, a chronically-disaffected South will sooner rather than later undermine the well being of the world dangerously. The world is already being put through these paces.

At the time of writing, ‘illegal migrants’ from the South, for example, are aggravating many a Western economy’s woes, besides creating for them acute law and order issues. The fact that these migrants’ presence goes on to become a virtual test of the migrant receiving states’ ability to forge domestic social inclusion in the face of jingoistic protests by mainly white supremacist groups is evidence of the latter. As is known, the US, to take just one example, has been up against this crisis for quite a while.

Accordingly, it will be in the best interests of the West if ‘illegal’ migrant arrivals on their shores are stemmed. If the socio-political and economic problems assailing the South are effectively managed through North-South collaborative, ‘trouble-shooting’ efforts the causes leading to ‘illegal’ migration and connected issues could be resolved at source as it were. For, it is the aggravation of the South’s material questions that lays the basis for the emergence of repressive and anti-democratic regimes in the hemisphere.

Until such time that the aforementioned issues in North-South relations are visited afresh and addressed urgently, a vibrantly functioning ICC would be needed. For, the latter would prove a deterrent to Southern political and military strongmen, highly prone to power abuse and like excesses, from coming into being in the wake of the South’s chronic material woes and the wars and conflicts that result from them.

It stands to reason then that the US would be acting in its own interests by enabling the ICC to perpetuate its mandate without hindrance. For a crop of issues that impinges negatively on internal law and order would be defused.

Meanwhile, there needs to be a meeting of minds among the rest of the West to put back in place a North-South dialogue process aimed at reducing some of the economic pressures that are weighing on the South.

Since economics usually drives politics it will be in the interests of the world community to scrutinizingly re-visit North-South issues of the past and put in place economic relief packages for Southern publics that would enable them to tide over their material hardships rather than permit the latter to aggravate into social disaffection and eventually armed militancy. It is the latter juncture that paves the way for the emergence of authoritarian rulers in the South who then go on to be a blight on their publics.

Accordingly, the Southern-based global development thinking of the past that envisaged a more equitable world economic order needs to be seen as an urgent need. That is, NAM’s international development paradigms need to be resuscitated to the extent possible.

It is unlikely that rightist governments of the West, such as the current Republican administration in the US, would find these projects feasible, but democratic states of Europe, led by perhaps the UK, are likely to think otherwise. For it would not be beneficial for the democratic world to be having on their hands repressive governments in the South who would be gravitating towards the major military and economic actors of the South, such as Iran and North Korea, who tend to be in constant power struggles with the West.

However, until such time that the mentioned, pro-people initiatives are given serious thought the ICC would need to be enabled by the international community to be in place comfortably and carry on with its mandate of bringing repressive rulers to book. Besides the ICC should pave the way for the peoples of the developing world to enjoy some substantial respite from the political repression and even terror which tend to be their lot.

Meanwhile, the wars of West Asia are relentlessly aggravating the economic hardships of people everywhere, driving the point home to enlightened sections that there is no alternative to peacemaking. A challenge is to convert the US under President Trump to this line of thinking.

Features

Clear, soft and shine-free skin

Published

24 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

This week, I give you five simple, time-tested homemade remedies that help reduce the appearance of blemishes, control excess shine and leave your skin feeling softer and smoother.

The Honey and Lemon Brightening Dab:

For stubborn blemish marks, this is a classic. Mix one teaspoon of pure bee honey with three to four drops of fresh lemon juice. Apply gently, only on the affected spots, and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. While honey soothes and softens, lemon helps to brighten naturally. Use twice a week in the evening.

Besan and Rose Water Oil-Control Pack:

An ideal remedy to combat shine, especially on the T-zone. Take two teaspoons of besan (gram flour) and mix with sufficient rose water to form a smooth paste. Add a pinch of turmeric for its antiseptic goodness. Apply evenly, keep for 15 minutes and wash off. It absorbs excess oil without over-drying, leaving a beautiful matte finish.

Aloe Vera and Cucumber Ice Soother:

Blend fresh aloe vera gel with the juice of a grated cucumber and freeze the mixture in an ice tray. Each morning, wrap one cube in a soft muslin cloth and gently rub over a cleansed face for 30 seconds. It calms, tightens pores and imparts a baby-soft smoothness.

Oatmeal and Curd Gentle Polish:

Roughness and old blemish marks need gentle exfoliation. Combine one tablespoon of finely powdered oatmeal with one tablespoon of fresh curd (yoghurt). Massage very gently, in circular motions, for one minute, leave for five minutes and rinse. It removes dead cells and unveils softer, clearer skin.

Multani Mitti and Green Tea Magic Mask:

Brew some green tea and allow it to cool completely. Mix one and a half teaspoons of Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) with the tea water to make a fine paste. Apply for 10 to 12 minutes – do not let it dry and crack completely – and wash off. It draws out impurities, fades blemishes and bestows a fresh, shine-free glow.

A Gentle Reminder:

As with any natural remedy, always do a patch test on your inner arm first. For those with oily or combination skin, avoid heavy coconut oil application and harsh scrubbing, as they tend to aggravate shine and blemishes.

Features

Compete, shine and be discovered at WCOPA 2027

Published

24 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

Dream of performing on a world stage? Well, here is your unique, golden opportunity!

The World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) — the one and only official “Talent Olympics” — is the world’s premier global platform for aspiring singers, dancers, actors, models, instrumentalists, etc., to compete, shine and be discovered!

And, yes, this world stage is open to YOU, Sri Lankans living in Sri Lanka and overseas!

Held annually in glittering Las Vegas, WCOPA brings together over 70 countries, all competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals, just like the traditional Olympics.

Lakisha Bernard: Will represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027

Outstanding performers vie for the coveted titles of Junior and Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World, with winners and standout participants awarded over $500,000 in scholarships, cash awards and prizes to catapult their education and careers!

Sri Lanka is already making waves! At WCOPA 2026, Natharie Wickramasinghe, representing Team Sri Lanka, made the nation proud by winning a Bronze Medal in the Ethnic/Folklore Dance category!

Lakisha: Accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate

Recruitment for this prestigious competition is handled through a system of scouts and licensed National Directors — and this is where our very own Chris Rajendra, now based in Las Vegas, and National Director for Team Sri Lanka, comes into the scene.

If you are a singer, dancer, actor, model, instrumentalist — if you have talent burning inside you — contact Chris Rajendra today for registration and, who knows, you may find yourself in Las Vegas, and proudly draped in the Sri Lankan flag, at WCOPA 2027!

The contact address is: Chris Rajendra, wcopa.nationaldirector.sl@gmail.com

or chris.rajendra@gmail.com

Meanwhile, a star is born for 2027, in the form of Lakisha Bernard who is all set to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027.

Originally hailing from the sun-drenched coastal city of Colombo and now carving out her creative career in Canada, 22-year-old Lakisha is stepping into the international spotlight.

This accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate has officially been appointed as the Team Sri Lanka Promoter for Canada as she prepares to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA in Las Vegas.

Lakisha brings a unique blend of high-fashion sensibility, captivating camera presence and expert garment design to the Team.

Having built her career, from local college shoots to high-glamour concepts, Lakisha’s inspiring journey embodies the true spirit of cultural bridge-building and creative resilience, bringing immense pride and recognition to Sri Lanka on the global stage.

WCOPA 2027 will be held at the legendary Westgate Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, from 12th to 20th July – the very same iconic arena where the late, great Elvis Presley himself performed!

Your moment is now. Your stage is Las Vegas, so hurry and contact Chris Rajendra.