The Sri Lankan government is set to review proposed amendments to the Penal Code that address corporal punishment, particularly in the education and health sectors. The discussions aim to ensure the law protects children without negatively impacting teachers or educators, Deputy Minister of Education Madhura Senevirathna said.
He noted that the legislation seeks to promote the wellbeing of both students and educators, clarifying that the bill is not intended to discourage teachers. The Deputy Minister added that some misunderstandings have led to public opposition, but these concerns can be resolved through dialogue, and amendments will be made if necessary before the bill’s enactment.
The proposed amendments define corporal punishment as any act using physical force likely to cause pain or discomfort, or any non-physical act likely to cause humiliation, however minor. They also prohibit cruel or degrading punishment against children and introduce harsher penalties for causing harm to minors.
