The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya

¶ 01 Answer tabled.

¶ 02 (a) Undergraduate enrolments by faculty (current): - Humanities & Social Sciences: 4,532 - Applied Sciences: 3,014 - Management Studies & Commerce: 5,319 - Medical Sciences: 1,160 - Technology: 1,875 - Engineering: 886* - Allied Health Sciences: 1,031* - Dental Sciences: 116 - Urban & Aquatic Bioresources: 385 - Computing: 435 Total: 18,753

¶ 03 Note: *Engineering and Allied Health Sciences currently have 5 batches; final exams scheduled end-July.

¶ 04 (b) (i) As per the definition in the Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act, No. 20 of 1998, ragging exists in many faculties. However, I reject the assertion that ragging is currently “very severe” at Sri Jayewardenepura University. (ii) Previously, first-year male students were accommodated in the main men’s hostel complex. Now, first-year male students are housed off-campus; with strict supervision by the Proctor, Deputy Proctors, Security, Student Discipline Officers, Wardens and Sub-Wardens, incidents are prevented. In the Faculty of Technology, housing all four years in a single hostel can be problematic; steps are being taken to house first-years off-campus there as well. (iii) Necessary disciplinary action is taken promptly through established procedures; where required, matters have been reported to courts. A Disciplinary Board is appointed comprising the Vice-Chancellor, Proctor, Deans, Director/Student Welfare, Chief Medical Officer, two Council nominees, and the Assistant Registrar (Legal) as Secretary. Actions are taken under UGC Circular 946, the Interim Constitution on Student Discipline (1986 No. 01), and Act No. 20 of 1998. Additionally, under the Minister’s guidance, the National Task Force to Prevent Ragging and Violence in Universities and Higher Education Institutions works to create violence-free environments and culture in higher education.