Examining the Consequences of Corporal Punishment on Children in Sri Lanka: A Study of Child Rights and Legal Frameworks

Abstract

Corporal Punishment is a controversial issue globally, and Sri Lanka is not an exception. Although the government of Sri Lanka has introduced various legislative measures to prohibit Corporal Punishment, it is still widely used as a disciplinary measure in homes, schools, and other institutions. This research article aims to examine the legal perspective of Corporal Punishment in Sri Lanka, including the existing laws and their implementation. The article also explores the implications of Corporal Punishment on children’s physical and mental health, education, and human rights. The research has been carried out by analyzing existing literature subjective to qualitative analysis. Primary legal sources such as constitutional provisions, legislative enactments, Conventions and decided case laws have been used for the analysis. Further, journal articles, books, policy papers and writings of the highest authorities in the field, and other observations made on the subject by reputed scholars have been used as secondary sources to enhance the outcome of this research. The research findings suggest that despite the legal prohibition, corporal punishment remains prevalent in Sri Lanka due to various socio-cultural and economic factors. The article concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for effective law enforcement, public education, and awareness-raising campaigns to eliminate Corporal Punishment in Sri Lanka.