March 09, Colombo (LNW): Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara, has confirmed that urgent action will be taken to pass a bill outlawing corporal punishment against children.
The announcement was made during a debate in Parliament on March 8, in which Nanayakkara responded to remarks made by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.
The debate, which centred on the allocation for the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, saw Premadasa stressing the importance of enshrining the rights of women and children within the nation’s constitution.
He proposed amendments to the Constitution to ensure stronger protections for these vulnerable groups, aligning the country more closely with international standards for human rights.
Premadasa went a step further, suggesting the creation of two dedicated presidential task forces—one focused on the welfare of children and youth, and another aimed at addressing the specific needs of women.
His proposal was met with a positive reception, highlighting a growing commitment to the protection and advancement of women’s and children’s rights in Sri Lanka.
In his response, Minister Nanayakkara acknowledged the critical role that robust legislation plays in safeguarding these rights.
He agreed with the Opposition Leader’s proposal to amend the Constitution but also emphasised that legal reforms alone would not be enough to shift societal mindsets.
“Can we truly change societal attitudes purely through the enactment of laws?” Nanayakkara asked. “Attitudes are shaped early in life, particularly in childhood. If we want to build a society where women are treated with respect and dignity, that process must begin in the home, where children learn the values of kindness and equality.“
The Minister stressed the vital importance of fostering respect for women from an early age, suggesting that parents play a key role in shaping the next generation’s attitudes towards gender equality.
By educating children to respect one another, he argued, society could gradually evolve towards a safer, more equitable environment for all.
Nanayakkara also reiterated his commitment to addressing the issue of corporal punishment in schools and homes.
He underscored the need for a clear legal prohibition against such practices, which he described as harmful to children’s well-being.
“We cannot allow corporal punishment to continue, as it causes lasting harm to children,” he said. “The draft for a bill to prohibit corporal punishment is already in place, and as Minister of Justice, I am determined to bring this bill to Parliament as soon as possible.”
The bill, once passed, would mark a significant step in the protection of children’s rights and welfare in Sri Lanka, ensuring that disciplinary measures do not involve physical harm.
