Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code to be amended banning all types of physical punishment
The Cabinet of Ministers have granted approval to the joint resolution made by the President along with the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms in order to take necessary measures to amend both the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code and include provisions for banning all forms of physical punishment.
The civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of a child have been protected by the Child Rights Convention of which Sri Lanka is a party. Statute 19 (1) of the Child Rights Convention states that the Government stakeholders shall take all appropriate legal administrative, and educational measures in order to protect a child who is under the protection of either parents, legitimate guardians, or another person from all types of physical or mental violence, injuries or abuse, discrimination or negligence, or disregard, being treated differently or exploitation including sexual exploitation.
It has been scientifically proven that a child may be physically or mentally impacted in the long run by physical punishment. Therefore, legal amendments should be introduced with immediate effect covering any act coming under cruel and / or daring physical and / or non – physical punishment category.
