Sri Lanka Moves to Fully Ban Corporal Punishment Nationwide

Sri Lanka Moves to Fully Ban Corporal Punishment Nationwide

News Today: Government to Ban Corporal Punishment in All Sectors

In a major human rights development, the Government to ban corporal punishment in all sectors of Sri Lanka has received Cabinet approval. This crucial step was announced by Cabinet Spokesman and Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, who confirmed that all forms of physical punishment, particularly those affecting children, will be outlawed.

The proposed ban includes any punishment that causes physical harm or mental trauma, underscoring the government’s commitment to protecting children and individuals from violence in educational, custodial, and institutional settings.

Global research has long demonstrated the harmful effects of corporal punishment, linking it to both immediate injury and long-term psychological damage. In line with these findings, Sri Lanka’s Cabinet took action during its meeting on April 29, 2024, approving amendments to two key legal instruments: the Code of Criminal Procedure Act No. 15 of 1979 and the Penal Code (19th Authority).

The amendment to the Criminal Procedure Code will include provisions that ban all forms of physical punishment causing injury. The Penal Code amendment aims to clearly define penalties related to such acts and recognises the scientifically proven harm caused to children from physical discipline.

Minister Jayatissa stated that the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval for the draft bills to be published in the Government Gazette and submitted to Parliament, although the publication process is pending. The urgency to legalise these measures has been officially acknowledged.

The Justice and National Integration Minister presented the resolution, securing policy approval to move forward with drafting the relevant laws. This reflects a national consensus on the need to protect citizens, especially vulnerable groups like children, from state or institutional violence.