Protest after Trainee Teacher Death at Wayamba National College of Education

A second-year female student at the Wayamba National College of Education in Bingiriya was found hanging in her hostel room on the 23rd, according to Bingiriya Police. The deceased has been identified as 23-year-old Sanjeewani Kumari from Delgastenna, Teldeniya, in the Kandy District.

Police investigations revealed that another teacher trainee staying in the same hostel attempted to open the door to the deceased’s room but was unable to do so. She then alerted others. When the group forced the door open, they discovered the tragic scene.

Police arrived at the location and conducted a preliminary investigation. Following the incident, a group of students staged a silent protest in front of the college on the afternoon of the 24th, demanding accountability from the college administration and lecturers.

During the protest, students accused the administration and a specific lecturer of causing severe psychological distress to the student, which allegedly led to her taking her own life. They further claimed that the Wayamba National College of Education is being run more like a detention center for young people rather than an educational institution.

The students demanded immediate reforms to the administration, warning that failure to do so could result in further unrest. Protesters displayed placards and continued their demonstration for approximately three hours. College Director Lal Kumara later arrived and held discussions with the students, after which the protest was called off.

According to police, the deceased had recently participated in a teacher training session for primary students at a school in Chilaw. Upon returning to the hostel on the 23rd, the incident occurred.

Speaking to the media, College Director Lal Kumara stated that the lecturers had acted in accordance with college protocols. He added:

“There was no harassment or anything of that sort here. The student had returned home two weeks prior and reportedly told her sisters that she felt life was no longer worth living. She had also mentioned feeling distressed.”

Bingiriya Police are continuing their investigation into the matter.