The Justice Ministry has forwarded an expert committee report to the Education Ministry outlining proposals aimed at enhancing child protection, despite Cabinet approval in April to draft and gazette related laws by June.
A senior Justice Ministry official explained that the decision to involve the Education Ministry was due to the proposals' focus on schoolchildren and educators, including a recommendation to prohibit corporal punishment—a move currently supported only by an Education Ministry circular.
"The sensitivity of these proposals necessitates seeking the Education Ministry’s input," the official remarked, noting concerns that implementing the recommendations could challenge school discipline.
The committee, established by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in May last year, aims to bolster child security and protection within schools.
Activists supporting the committee’s suggestions criticized the Justice Ministry for seeking Cabinet approval before consulting the Education Ministry, accusing it of stalling progress.
They emphasized that Sri Lanka, as a signatory to international child rights agreements, is obligated to legislate against corporal punishment.
Activists plan to discuss the proposals with relevant ministers to advance their implementation.
