Campaign launched seeking end to corporal punishment in Sri Lanka

By Sarah Hannan

End Corporal Punishment Sri Lanka 2020, a national campaign urges stakeholders from the government and civil society to implement and exercise a comprehensive plan to end cruelty against children.

The Stop Child Cruelty organisation in collaboration with the Presidential Secretariat unit of Daruwan Surakimu and the Sri Lanka Foundation launched this national campaign with the primary focus to end corporal punishment in schools.

A media briefing was held today (25 September), with the participation of its representatives including the campaigns patrons Otara Gunwaradana and Sidath Wettimuny.

Addressing the gathering Stop Child Cruelty organisation Chairperson Dr. Tush Wickramanayaka noted; “Our objective is to encourage and incentivise all authorities responsible for child protection to uphold National and International laws thus ensuring that no child is subjected to cruel and/or degrading punishment in schools. With this initiative we will enable children to pursue educational activities in a happy and safe learning environment, devoid of corporal punishment which promotes mental wellbeing for children to mature into wholesome caring individuals.”

The ‘Walk for real change’ takes place on Sunday 30 September at 3 p.m. starting from Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. At the end of the walk the alliance of professionals will hand over the pentagonal proposal, along with the petition signed by over 2,700 persons to President Maithripala Sirisena through the Presidential Secretariat.

A pentagonal proposal unites five stake holders; the President, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, Ministry of Law & Order and Ministry of Justice in making meaningful and permanent solutions.

The campaign expects to bring together children, parents, educators, administrators and law enforcement authorities in an inclusive process; to find progressive and practical solutions rather than an exclusive process of punitive and abortive measures such as black listing teachers or imprisoning individuals.

Further information on the campaign can be obtained through www.facebook.com/stopchildcruelty/