The Child Protection Alliance (CPA) has urged the Government of Sri Lanka to take immediate steps to pass the Penal Code Amendment Bill – Chapter 19, which seeks to ban corporal punishment of children.
In a letter addressed to Hon. Harashana Nanayakka, Minister of Justice and National Integration, the CPA commended the government’s initiative in tabling the Bill for its second reading in Parliament but raised concern over its postponement following political opposition.
The Alliance emphasized that the Bill was the result of years of consultation by the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) and endorsed by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL). It highlighted the urgent need to protect children from all forms of violence and urged policymakers to act without delay.
Key Actions Proposed by the CPA
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Convene an emergency meeting of the NCPA Law Reform Committee with relevant experts and civil society groups.
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Review the Proposed Edits to the Penal Code Amendment Bill to strengthen child protection mechanisms.
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Study global best practices by referring to the Summary Report of countries that have banned corporal punishment.
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Implement the National Plan to Abolish Corporal Punishment, submitted to the Prime Minister in April 2025.
The Right to Life Human Rights Centre, as a member of the Alliance, reaffirms its support for reforms that prioritize the best interests of every child in Sri Lanka
Read the full letter here: CPA Letter