The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has announced that preliminary investigations into the suicide of a Sabaragamuwa University student have uncovered a previously unreported form of misconduct within the university, classified as a “novel incident.”
According to the CID’s Novel Incident Investigation Unit, more than 30 such novel incidents have been reported in the first six months of this year alone, with the highest number—over 10—originating from the Sabaragamuwa region. Similar complaints have also been received from Eastern and Oluvil Universities.
The student in question, Charith Dilshan, was found dead by suicide on April 29 after leaving behind a letter. Following this, the CID’s specialized unit launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Several senior students from the university, suspected of being linked to the incident, have been arrested and are currently being held in remand custody. In the course of the investigation, CID officers have recorded statements from a number of individuals, including members of the university administration.
Investigators have revealed that Charith Dilshan was not suffering from depression and that the cause of his suicide was tied to a scandal involving individuals within the university. Furthermore, the inquiry has uncovered attempts by certain high-ranking university officials to suppress the scandal and prevent it from becoming public knowledge.
The CID has emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that legal action will be taken against all those found responsible. If the accused students are proven guilty, they could face prison sentences of up to 20 years.
Meanwhile, police are urging university students across the country to report any incidents or complaints related to similar misconduct by calling the 1997 hotline.
