CMIL

The tragic death of a second-year student at Sabaragamuwa University, has once again brought the devastating consequences of ragging into sharp focus. This young student reportedly died by su***de after enduring severe ragging, including being stripped and tortured by senior students. His family has publicly demanded justice, highlighting the urgent need to address this pervasive issue.

The ELEVATE program stands as a proactive initiative aimed at preventing such tragedies. By fostering respectful, inclusive, and safe university environments, ELEVATE empowers students to challenge harmful practices like ragging through creative expression and open dialogue. Through film screenings and discussions, the program addresses critical issues such as gender-based violence, reproductive rights, and institutional discrimination, promoting a culture of empathy and mutual respect.​

Elevate team encourages all the gender cells supporters, students, volunteers, film directors to use our films as a platform to create more meaningful discussion on dragging in of eradicating culture of violence and fostering respect for diversity.

We hope that initiatives like ELEVATE will contribute to the eradication of ragging and the cultivation of supportive academic communities across Sri Lanka.​

🎬 Watch Now: ELEVATE Program at Sri Palee Campus – Cultivating Respect and Understanding on SRHR

Take a look back at the impactful moments from the ELEVATE Film Screening held at Sri Palee Campus, University of Colombo. This recap documentary features powerful student and expert voices, engaging conversations, and the use of film to spark dialogue around sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and cyber gender-based violence (CGBV).

📽️ Video Link: https://youtu.be/uSlN_XSmzTI?si=bBXqnai9QSiWkMwX

The 9th ELEVATE Film Screening took center stage at the University of Peradeniya celebrating the transformative power of film in advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and addressing Cyber Gender-Based Violence (CGBV) concerns. The event was graced by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ranjith Pallegama, who attended as the Chief Guest. The screening drew a diverse and engaged audience including department dignitaries from the Sexual and Gender Based Violence Committee of the University of Peradeniya, faculty representatives, and students.

This landmark event featured 10 powerful short films crafted by bold and visionary young female filmmakers. Each film tackled taboo subjects and hidden injustices, including menstrual health stigma, safe abortion rights, ragging-related trauma, and LGBTIQ+ discrimination, igniting deep reflection and conversation among attendees.

An important item of the event following the screening was the dynamic panel discussion. The panel featured academic voices such as Dr. Wijaya Jayatilaka, Emiratus Prof. Kamala Liyanage, Dr. Poornika Seelagama, and Dr. Kalana Senaratne, delved into how themes like gender stigma, reproductive justice, and violence in university settings must be addressed through both policy and cultural change. They stressed the need for safer, inclusive, and empathetic educational environments.

Through initiatives like ELEVATE, young storytellers are rewriting narratives and reclaiming the space to speak on issues often silenced. The University of Peradeniya, with its long-standing academic commitment to social impact, once again proved to be fertile ground for dialogue, change, and solidarity.

ELEVATE continues its journey—spotlighting hidden truths, inspiring action, and building a future where every voice matters.