Sri Lanka’s state universities, plagued by the pressing issue and long-standing culture of ragging, initiated the establishment of Rage. The act of ragging, ranging from verbal harassment to physical and sexual violence, has led to severe psychological and physical harm for numerous college students, often leading to grave consequences such as self-harm and suicide. Co-founders Yasu-e Karunaratne Edussuriya and her husband Dr. Taveesh Edussuriya,aims to provide pro bono legal support to victims of this persistent cycle of abuse. They also strive to raise social awareness about irreversible impacts of ragging and other forms of harassment, harm, and humiliation endured on university campuses, where no student should live in fear of an unsafe learning environment.
Drawing from Yasu-e’s own harrowing experiences during her university years, being a personal witness and victim of the devastating effects of ragging, the couple was motivated to take meaningful action. They recognized that countless students felt both isolated and powerless, often suffering in silence. As a result, Rage.lk aims to empower these individuals by offering legal aid for those falling victim to this detrimental tradition.
In 2023, Rage.lk released the short film ‘Ralla’, which highlights the emotional and physical toll of ragging on students. The film serves as both a narrative and an advocacy tool to spark conversations about the urgent need to combat this issue within educational institutions.
Through pro bono legal aid, educational seminars, online resources, and awareness campaigns, Rage.lk strives to inform students of their legal rights and support systems. The organization seeks to create a culture of accountability and protection, emphasizing that ragging is not merely a violation of university rules but a criminal act under Sri Lankan law that should hold extreme gravity.
The Prohibition of Ragging and other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act No. 20 of 1998 makes it clear that those who engage in ragging can face serious consequences that may extend to imprisonment.
Rage.lk continues to advocate for change, collaborating with various stakeholders to promote a safe and supportive environment for all students. Their commitment to fighting against ragging reflects a broader goal of ensuring that no student feels alone in their struggle.
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