Sri Lanka bans corporal punishment in schools

The Ministry of Education has issued a new circular on maintaining discipline in schools across Sri Lanka.

According to the Ministry, the circular has been sent to all Provincial Secretaries of Education, Provincial Directors of Education, Zonal Directors of Education, Deputy and Assistant Directors of Education in charge of divisions, heads of Pirivena institutions, and school principals.

The circular states that, in addition to the instructions already issued by the Ministry on April 29, 2016, on maintaining discipline in schools, the provisions of this new circular must also be implemented with immediate effect.

It also notes that the circular has been issued with reference to a section of a Supreme Court judgment.

According to the circular, no child should be subjected to any form of physical or mental harm, whether as punishment or for any other reason.

It further stresses that corporal punishment in any form and at any level is strictly prohibited, and that those who violate this rule will face legal penalties, as stated in the relevant section of the judgment.

The circular also emphasizes that special attention must be paid to the facts set out in the relevant Supreme Court judgment when taking steps to maintain discipline among school students.

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