Sri Lanka ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1992. Since then, there have been 6 parliamentary elections, 9 prime ministers, and 4 executive presidents.However, despite the many pledges made by successive governments and a plethora of proposals, the National Action Plan for the Promotion of Human Rights 2011-2016, pledging a ban on corporal punishment; and circulars by the Ministry of Education in 7/2005, 12/2016, and 12/2016, corporal punishment is rampant. in schools.
Child protection in Sri Lanka is a national crisis. In addition to the abuse of children by gruesome individuals, there is an increase in the violation of children’s rights by officers of the Sri Lanka Police.On 25/05/2020, an autistic 14-year-old boy from Darga Town,Kalutara, was assaulted by police, visible on video recording, and was later denied by investigating officers. On 06/06/2020, another 14-year-old boy was unlawfully detained by Elpitiya police as ransom until his father appeared.
A Study on Child Disciplinary Methods Practiced in Schools in Sri Lanka by the National Child Protection Authority in 2017 revealed that nearly 60% of teachers were unaware of positive discipline methods. These are teachers participating in a walk demanding to end corporal punishment in schools.
A Study on Child Disciplinary Methods Practiced in Schools in Sri Lanka by the National Child Protection Authority in 2017 revealed that nearly 80% of students are subjected to at least one episode of corporal punishment during one school term. Students walk in solidarity, requesting greater protection.