The directive, Circular No. 11/2026 titled “Maintaining Discipline in Schools,” was released on March 30, 2026, following instructions from the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. It stems from the Court’s July 7, 2025 judgment in Case No. 461/2012 (FR), which called for stronger protections for students.
The circular has been distributed to key education authorities, including Provincial and Zonal Directors, school principals, and administrators across government and government-approved private institutions.
Reinforcing earlier guidelines issued in 2016, the ministry emphasized strict adherence to Paragraph 17 of the Supreme Court ruling, which mandates zero tolerance for corporal punishment. It clearly states that no teacher or school authority may inflict physical or psychological harm on students, and violators will face legal consequences.
