The government will take strict measures against ragging in universities, Minister of Higher Education and Highways Lakshman Kiriella insisted.

Speaking at an event yesterday, Kiriella slammed the university students who protested on Wednesday, urging for the release of several students currently in remand custody over a ragging incident.

Sri Lankan universities offer free education. Students must use maximum of what is offered rather than indulge in unlawful activities, the Minister said, pointing out that ragging has been made illegal by legislation.

The police dispersed a protest by university students over several incidents in Kelaniya University and arrested three students. The arrested students were released on bail yesterday.