• Finds that punishing those who punish children sends wrong message that behaviour can be corrected with punishment
• Notes that while physical-mental punishment of children should stop, alternative measures are needed to maintain student discipline 

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) stated that while it is firmly of the view that the physical and mental punishment of children should stop, it should however be done with due attention to alternatives to maintain discipline among children.

Speaking to The Daily Morning on the proposed Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, the HRCSL Commissioner Nimal G. Punchihewa said that merely introducing new laws to punish those who punish children could send the wrong message. 

“If we impose laws to punish someone because they punish others, then, the basic principle becomes that behaviour can be corrected through punishment. For instance, we tell teachers that such behaviour cannot be corrected through punishment, and then we introduce punishment for them. The essence of both is the same.”

He added: “Punishing children must stop. There is no question about that. But, in correcting the problem, the relevant authorities must also consider alternative measures to maintain discipline among children. Some parties argue that banning corporal punishment will affect discipline in schools. But, aren’t there other ways to maintain discipline? If alternative methods exist, why should we continue with these outdated subcultures?”

Meanwhile, the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) recently urged the Government to clearly state its stance on the proposed Bill, which seeks to introduce legal provisions against the corporal punishment of children. CTU President Priyantha Fernando alleged that the Government is attempting to push through the Amendment mainly to obtain a $ 200 million grant from an international organisation for a project titled the Promotion of Rights.

The Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Saroja Savithri Paulraj was not available for comment.

The Bill – which seeks to amend Chapter 19 of the Penal Code – was recently approved by the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection. The Bill aims to end corporal punishment and other harmful disciplinary practices targeting children, and to introduce legal penalties for such acts.