UGC sets up special office to tackle ragging

COLOMBO (News 1st) - A spokesperson for the University Grants Commission stated a hotline and a special office has been set up to aid students who have been victims of ragging in universities and other higher educational institutes. The Commission requests all students to immediately contact the 24-hour hotline 0112- 2123700, in addition to informing university officials and the police if they have been victims of ragging. The special office set up at the University Grants Commission will function on all days from 8.30 am to 4 pm except on government holidays. Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act No. 20 of 1998 is currently in effect. Those arrested under this Act will be unable to request bail and if charged in courts they can be sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The University Grants Commission also requests parents to be on alert of the activities and behaviour of their children who are at universities and other higher educational institutes.