Prime Minister and Minister of Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya clarified that the proposed law on punishing child abuse is not aimed at schools or teachers, but at protecting children across society.
Addressing national school principals at the Education Ministry she said the amendment covers both physical and psychological abuse in schools, institutions, police custody, and homes.
“This is not a law against teachers. It is a reform to safeguard children. Discipline is not banned, but it should not involve violence or humiliation,” she noted.
Highlighting the rise of domestic and institutional violence, the Prime Minister stressed the need for non-violent methods of discipline and urged a societal shift towards compassion and child protection.
