The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, the answers are as follows:

¶ 02 i. According to information from the 17 universities established under the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978, no university has instituted prosecutions under Act No. 20 of 1998 during the past five years.

¶ 03 ii. Not applicable.

¶ 04 iii. The Centre for Gender Equity/Equality at the University Grants Commission (UGC) has conducted research published in 2022 on this subject. In addition, various theses have been produced; some are published, many are not.

¶ 05 iv. We have taken several measures and are preparing a work plan to prevent ragging. The UGC’s Centre for Gender Equity/Equality has proposed, among others: 1) A comprehensive review and strengthening of UGC circulars on ragging and gender-based violence, including reinforcing complaint-handling mechanisms and the existing hotline into a 24/7 service. 2) Establishing a network linking anti-ragging task forces in all universities under a Standing Committee on Gender Equity/Equality, with immediate notification protocols to relevant university task forces and UGC officials upon any reported incident. 3) Designing an effective follow-up mechanism. A specialist committee has been appointed at the 1138th UGC meeting; its proposals are being drafted into a principal circular. 4) Creating a victim-centred support system, strengthening complaint mechanisms, and coordinating legal aid, psychosocial services, medical assistance, police and institutional support, along with establishing a resource pool. The first circular on the victim-centred support system was issued in February 2025. 5) Developing a rehabilitation programme for offenders involved in ragging. 6) Strengthening the roles and training of disciplinary authorities—proctors, security officers, senior student counsellors, hostel wardens, etc. Detailed proposals were submitted to the UGC after discussions held on 06.12.2024; basic legal and institutional arrangements are being advanced. 7) Introducing a “Living with Diversity” module to provide foundational understanding of the broader social factors underlying ragging. 8) Reforming student union governance to ensure inclusivity and gender equality, and establishing the necessary legal and institutional frameworks to ensure democratic student bodies representing all diversities.