The main Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), expressed concerns about the lack of stakeholder consultations with regard to the recently presented amendments to the Penal Code which include provisions concerning banning corporal punishment.

Discussing the matter at a media briefing held yesterday (2), SJB Parliamentarian Harshana Rajakaruna claimed that the Bill was presented to the parliament without a proper discourse about the changes that have been sought, and that it is unacceptable in a context where discipline in children, especially school children, is a topic of discussion in the country.

“Schools are facing an issue owing to presenting a Bill to the Parliament about preventing abuse against children without a proper discourse including with teachers and principals,” he opined.

Rajakaruna further claimed that the government seems to be paying less attention to other pressing matters pertaining to the education sector such as funding and issues in the university system.