We live in a blessed country where every individual has the right to education despite his or her background, class or creed. University education can be obtained by anybody hailing from any part of Sri Lanka as long as they have attained the sufficient marks and Z score for entrance. However one wonders whether society in general values Free Education as it should be valued. Politicization has corrupted this very blessing today. Most of the Student Unions in universities are influenced and operated by political parties. Parents send their children to universities here in Sri Lanka where the standards are set so high that a degree from such university is recognized anywhere in the world. But all hope and aspirations are sometimes dashed on the ground when their children are caught up in the violence within universities.
Should the authorities ban “ragging” in universities? Do you think it is time for us to put pressure on the entire political party system so that they would take their hands off universities? Or will violence still prevail in other forms because it is an extension of frustrations that students are subject to? Are they bringing in a form of “problem solving” (which is violence) that they are used to even from their home? How can we stop violence at the seat of learning?