Sri Lanka faces mounting concerns over potential policy reversals that could undermine years of progress in child protection, with experts warning that rolling back the ban on corporal punishment would have devastating consequences for the nation's children and international standing.
Expert Warnings on Policy Reversals
Dr. Tara de Mel, Executive Director of the Bandaranaike Academy for Leadership and Public Policy (BALPP) and Co-Founder of Education Forum Sri Lanka, has voiced serious concerns about proposed changes to child protection legislation. As a former Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Dr. de Mel brings extensive expertise to discussions about safeguarding children's rights in educational settings.
The expert warnings highlight three critical areas of concern: the erosion of hard-won progress in child welfare, potential violations of international obligations, and increased vulnerability of children to harm. These concerns reflect broader anxieties about Sri Lanka's commitment to maintaining progressive child protection standards during challenging economic and political times.
Hard-Won Progress at Risk
Sri Lanka has made significant strides in child protection over recent decades, implementing comprehensive legislation that aligns with international best practices. The country's ban on corporal punishment represents a milestone achievement in recognizing children's rights to dignity and physical safety.
Child protection advocates emphasize that these gains required years of sustained effort, involving collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and international partners. Rolling back such protections would not only reverse progress but could signal a broader retreat from child welfare priorities.
The current legal framework provides crucial safeguards for children across various settings, including schools, homes, and alternative care facilities. Weakening these protections could expose vulnerable children to increased risks of physical and psychological harm.
International Obligations Under Scrutiny
Sri Lanka's commitment to international child protection standards comes under question with any potential policy reversals. The country is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which establishes clear obligations to protect children from all forms of violence.
International monitoring bodies regularly assess countries' compliance with child protection commitments. Any regression in Sri Lanka's legal protections could result in criticism from global human rights organizations and potentially impact the country's international relationships and development partnerships.
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has consistently emphasized that corporal punishment violates children's fundamental rights to dignity and physical integrity. Countries that maintain or reintroduce such practices face scrutiny and pressure to reform their policies.
Vulnerability Concerns for Children
Child welfare experts stress that removing legal protections would disproportionately impact the most vulnerable children in Sri Lankan society. Children from marginalized communities, those in institutional care, and those with disabilities often face higher risks of abuse and require stronger legal safeguards.
Research consistently demonstrates that corporal punishment is ineffective as a disciplinary tool and can cause lasting psychological harm. Alternative positive discipline approaches have proven more effective in promoting healthy child development while maintaining appropriate behavioral standards.
Educational professionals argue that maintaining the ban on corporal punishment supports better learning environments and improved teacher-student relationships. Schools implementing positive discipline strategies report better academic outcomes and reduced behavioral problems.
Stakeholder Responses and Advocacy
The child protection community in Sri Lanka has mobilized to defend existing legal protections. Organizations working in education, child welfare, and human rights are coordinating advocacy efforts to prevent policy reversals.
Parents' groups and teacher associations have expressed mixed views on the issue, highlighting the need for comprehensive public education about effective child discipline methods. Many stakeholders emphasize the importance of supporting families and educators with training and resources for positive parenting and teaching approaches.
International development partners working in Sri Lanka have also expressed concerns about potential policy changes. These organizations often provide crucial funding and technical support for child protection programs that could be affected by legal reversals.
Looking Forward: Protecting Progress
Maintaining Sri Lanka's child protection gains requires sustained commitment from government, civil society, and communities. Experts recommend strengthening implementation of existing laws rather than weakening legal protections.
Investment in training programs for parents, teachers, and childcare workers can help build capacity for positive discipline approaches. Public awareness campaigns highlighting the benefits of protective legislation can also build broader social support for maintaining current standards.
The international community continues to monitor Sri Lanka's approach to child protection, with potential implications for the country's global relationships and development cooperation. Preserving hard-won gains in child welfare remains crucial for Sri Lanka's long-term social development and international standing.
As Sri Lanka navigates current challenges, protecting its most vulnerable citizens – its children – must remain a national priority that transcends political and economic pressures.