An investigation has been initiated following allegations that a school student was subjected to inhuman physical punishment by a school principal in Sooriyawewa, Hambantota District.
According to the mother of the victim, the incident occurred on 18 December 2025 at Rammuduwewa Vidyalaya, Sooriyawewa. Her son, a 16-year-old Grade 11 student, was allegedly assaulted by the school principal after being accused of tapping on a desk during class. She stated that the principal struck the student on both legs using a cane and later slapped him across the ear.
Later that day, the student reportedly became unwell, complaining of dizziness and difficulty standing. He was admitted to the Thanamalwila Divisional Hospital and subsequently transferred to the Hambantota General Hospital for further treatment. Hospital records confirm that the student remained under in-patient care for eight days and was discharged on 25 December 2025. According to his mother, the child continues to suffer from psychological trauma and has expressed fear of returning to school.
A complaint regarding the incident was lodged with the Sooriyawewa Police on 19 December 2025. However, the student’s mother alleges that the police have failed to take effective action and that the investigation has been delayed. She further claims that the delay is due to the principal being the husband of a member of the Sooriyawewa Pradeshiya Sabha.
Due to the lack of progress, the mother stated that she contacted the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Matara–Hambantota range. During the call, the Officer-in-Charge of the Sooriyawewa Police Station was also connected. She was informed that instructions had been issued not to arrest the principal until the student’s medical reports were received.
Police sources confirmed that the principal had been summoned to the Sooriyawewa Police Station and a statement recorded. However, no arrest has been made to date. The Acting Officer-in-Charge of the Sooriyawewa Police stated that, according to a circular issued through the Attorney General to the Inspector General of Police, arrests are not carried out in cases of teacher-on-student assault unless the injuries are considered serious. He further stated that preliminary information suggested the student had not sustained serious injuries.
The incident has raised public concern, particularly in light of existing government circulars and legal provisions that prohibit corporal punishment of children. Under the amended Penal Code provisions published in the Gazette dated 4 July 2025 (Section 308A), any person exercising care, custody, or authority over a child under the age of 18 who subjects the child to physical or psychological punishment is liable to imprisonment ranging from six months to two years, a fine of up to LKR 100,000, or both.
The student’s mother has stated that she intends to submit complaints to multiple authorities, including the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, the National Child Protection Authority, and the Ministry of Education. She emphasized that while disciplinary mechanisms exist within schools, inhuman physical punishment of children cannot be justified under any circumstances.
By Nuwan Jayasekara
Journalist