Sri Lanka Takes Major Step Towards Ending Corporal Punishment

In a significant move towards upholding children’s rights, Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced on X platform (formerly Twitter) that the Cabinet has approved amendments to the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code. These amendments aim to prohibit corporal punishment in all spheres, marking the International Day to End Corporal Punishment on April 30.

The decision aligns with Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which calls for protection against all forms of violence towards children. Additionally, it reflects the Committee on the Rights of the Child’s General Comment No. 8, emphasizing the necessity of banning corporal punishment in all settings.

President Wickremesinghe’s statement emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that no child in Sri Lanka suffers physical or mental violence. The approval of these amendments paves the way for legal protections to safeguard the rights and well-being of every child in the country.

This move is expected to have a profound impact on Sri Lanka’s legal framework and societal norms, reinforcing the country’s dedication to promoting child welfare and protection from violence. (LankaXpress.com)