Page 91 - KDU Law Journal Volume 4 Issue 2

KDU Law Journal Volume 04 Issue II
September, 2024
and economic factors. The article concludes by emphasizing the urgent
need for effective law enforcement, public education, and awareness-raising
campaigns to eliminate Corporal Punishment in Sri Lanka.
Keywords: Corporal Punishment, Child Rights, Human Rights, Legal
Perspectives, Sri Lanka.

Introduction

“Children are like wet cement: whatever falls on them makes
an impression.”
Dr. Haim Ginott
This quote emphasizes the impressionability of children and the
importance of positive experiences during their formative years. It
implies that children’s experiences in their early years shape their
future development and leave a lasting impact on their personality
and behavior. Therefore, it is crucial to provide children with
protection, education, healthcare, shelter, and love, regardless of their
circumstances. Every society, country, and culture should ensure
that children are granted equal opportunities to succeed. Despite the
legislative measures introduced by the Sri Lankan government to
prohibit Corporal Punishment (hereinafter referred to as CP), it is
still widely used as a disciplinary measure in homes, schools, and
other institutions.
CP refers to the use of physical force to discipline individuals,
particularly children. CP includes spanking, hitting, or any other
physical action that causes physical pain or discomfort. Despite the
growing evidence on the harmful effects of CP, it is still prevalent
in many countries, including Sri Lanka. The use of CP has been a
subject of debate and controversy globally due to its adverse effects
on children’s physical and mental health, education, and human

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