{"id":152253,"date":"2025-09-28T16:05:50","date_gmt":"2025-09-28T23:05:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/?p=152253"},"modified":"2025-09-28T16:05:50","modified_gmt":"2025-09-28T23:05:50","slug":"public-alert-dangerous-consequences-of-the-penal-code-amendment-bill-no-33-of-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/2025\/09\/28\/public-alert-dangerous-consequences-of-the-penal-code-amendment-bill-no-33-of-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Public Alert: Dangerous Consequences of the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill No. 33 of 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Shenali D Waduge<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n

The Penal Code (Amendment) Bill No. 33 of 2025, recently passed by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection\u2014chaired by Hon. Dr. Najith Indika and including members Mujibur Rahman, M.K.M. Aslam, Sellaththamby Thilaganathan, Attorney-at-Law Thushari Jayasingha, Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara, Hon. Ajith P. Perera, Attorney-at-Law (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law Chithral Fernando, and Attorney-at-Law (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne\u2014claims to protect children. However, it introduces sweeping, ambiguous definitions that threaten parents, teachers, and traditional Sri Lankan upbringing. The Govt must WITHDRAW the BILL. The damage the Govt will cause by this Bill is irreversible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/documents.gov.lk\/view\/bills\/2025\/8\/630-2025_E.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bill establishes no boundaries for children, and does not recognize the duties of students, teachers, or parents. Respect for elders, authority, and moral obligations in line with our civilizational cultural heritage are omitted, creating a one-sided legal framework that shifts all power to the child, leaving adults vulnerable and guidance ineffective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bill focuses entirely on what adults cannot<\/em> do to children, but it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.    Does not define or emphasize children\u2019s duties<\/strong> \u2014 no mention that children have responsibilities to behave respectfully, obey rules, or not manipulate adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.    Ignores the reciprocal social contract<\/strong> \u2014 duties of teachers to teach, parents to guide, and children to respect and learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.    Disregards cultural norms of hierarchy and moral guidance<\/strong> \u2014 Sri Lanka\u2019s upbringing traditionally emphasizes duty, discipline, and respect for elders; the Bill is silent on these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.    No boundaries for children\u2019s legal leverage<\/strong> \u2014 any perceived discomfort\u201d can trigger legal consequences for adults; the Bill gives children procedural power without accompanying responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bill contains no provisions addressing children\u2019s misbehavior, such as lying, deceit, or manipulation. By protecting children from ordinary corrective measures without establishing responsibilities & duties, the law inadvertently encourages dishonesty and opportunistic behavior, leaving parents, teachers, and institutions powerless to enforce accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Minor Classroom and Home Discipline becomes Criminal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scenario (School & Home):<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      School:<\/strong> A teacher asks a student to stand in the corner during a lesson for repeatedly talking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Home:<\/strong> The same child misbehaves at home and a parent denies TV or phone privileges for a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bill text:<\/strong> Section 308B(1) defines corporal punishment as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

any act, whether physical or non-physical, causing pain, discomfort or humiliation to a person under eighteen years of age.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expanded Impact:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teacher:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Could be accused of humiliation\u201d even if the intent was purely corrective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Faces potential police investigation, fines up to LKR 100,000, imprisonment up to 6 months<\/strong>, or both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Hesitant to enforce rules in the classroom; fear of legal action paralyzes ordinary discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parent:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Could be accused of causing mental discomfort\u201d at home for denying privileges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Ordinary corrective measures risk being interpreted as punishable corporal punishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      May avoid setting boundaries or enforcing rules, weakening family authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Child:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Can exaggerate emotional distress<\/strong> to manipulate teachers or parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      May threaten to report minor incidents to avoid punishment or gain privileges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Could involve siblings or friends to support false claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Unwanted friction and animosity between child-parent-teacher created via bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Principal \/ Head of School:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Must respond to complaints about the teacher.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Required to<\/strong> <\/strong>investigate and document<\/strong> <\/strong>all allegations; failure could result in<\/strong> <\/strong>personal liability<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Might have to<\/strong> <\/strong>mediate disputes at home-school interface<\/strong>, adding stress and administrative burden.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Institution \/ School:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Hesitant or fearful teachers \u2192 reduced enforcement of rules \u2192 disorder in classrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Staff and parents may fear any corrective action \u2192 children\u2019s behavior may worsen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Traditional cultural practices of discipline and moral guidance are undermined, both at school and home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chain Reaction:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Minor classroom misbehavior goes uncorrected<\/strong>; school environment becomes chaotic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Children learn they can manipulate rules or exaggerate complaints<\/strong> for personal advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      At home, children may ignore rules<\/strong> knowing mild punishments could be treated as illegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Teachers and parents are caught in fear of legal consequences<\/strong>, while children gain leverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Principals face constant pressure<\/strong> to monitor, investigate, and document, increasing institutional bureaucracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Illustrative Example for Public Awareness:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Classroom:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      A student whispers to a friend during class. The teacher, following normal practice, asks the student to stand quietly in the corner for five minutes. Under Section 308B(1), which defines corporal punishment as any act, whether physical or non-physical, causing pain, discomfort or humiliation to a person under eighteen years of age,\u201d the student\u2019s feeling of humiliation\u201d is enough to trigger a complaint. Parents can file a case, and the teacher risks fines up to LKR 100,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Home:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      The same student refuses to do homework. The parent removes TV or phone privileges for one evening. The child then claims this caused mental discomfort.\u201d Because the Bill does not distinguish between home and school, a legal complaint against the parent becomes possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Result:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Faced with the risk of legal consequences, the teacher stops enforcing classroom rules; the parent stops enforcing household discipline. The student quickly learns that rules are unenforceable and that adults are powerless to correct him. Misbehavior becomes normalized and spreads to peers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hidden or Overlooked Dangerous Scenarios<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even beyond classrooms and homes, the Bill creates unforeseen risks:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.    Digital \/ Online Exploitation<\/strong> \u2013 Children may claim mental discomfort\u201d when parents restrict device or social media access; peer amplification can escalate complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.    Group or Peer Pressure<\/strong> \u2013 Coordinated complaints by multiple children can overwhelm teachers or parents, creating legal and administrative chaos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.    Sports and Extracurricular Activities<\/strong> \u2013 Coaches and instructors risk fines or imprisonment for corrective guidance during training or team activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.    Special Needs \/ Disability Risk<\/strong> \u2013 Caregivers or teachers may avoid correcting vulnerable children for fear of legal action, leaving them unsafe or underserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.    Community or Cultural Events<\/strong> \u2013 Normal guidance during religious or cultural activities may be interpreted as humiliation, undermining centuries-old practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6.    Educational Assessment and Feedback<\/strong> \u2013 Constructive criticism or low grades could be exaggerated as humiliation, leading to grade inflation and compromised learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7.    Emergency Safety Interventions<\/strong> \u2013 Life-saving physical guidance (e.g., preventing a child from running into traffic) could be viewed as corporal punishment, discouraging adults from acting in emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Long-Term Impact:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Sri Lanka risks producing a generation of children who grow up without boundaries, self-control, or respect for authority \u2014 children who will not be of benefit to themselves, their families, or society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Parental Corrective Measures Criminalized<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scenario (School & Home):<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Home:<\/strong> A parent finds their child lying to avoid chores, and decides to deny pocket money for a week<\/strong> or restrict access to video games<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      School:<\/strong> The same child is caught copying homework<\/strong> or misbehaving during lessons; the teacher issues a firm warning or public correction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bill text:<\/strong> Section 308B(1) defines corporal punishment as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

any act, whether physical or non-physical, causing pain, discomfort or humiliation to a person under eighteen years of age.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expanded Impact:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parent:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Could be accused of causing mental discomfort\u201d or humiliation\u201d simply for denying privileges or setting consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Ordinary corrective measures risk legal interpretation as punishable corporal punishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Fear of legal repercussions may prevent enforcing chores, study routines, or moral lessons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Parents may avoid giving firm guidance or correcting lying, misbehavior, or disobedience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teacher:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Any minor classroom correction (e.g., scolding a student for copying homework) could be construed as humiliation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Teachers might hesitate to address misbehavior, knowing even culturally accepted discipline could trigger complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Classroom authority eroded; other students may mimic misbehavior seeing no consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Child:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Can exploit these protections to avoid responsibility<\/strong>, exaggerating emotional distress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Might threaten to report parents for ordinary corrective actions, like restricting games or screen time. Social media may play a role in dare\u201d games encouraging children to take such actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Gains legal leverage to manipulate parents and teachers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Could involve siblings, friends, or even classmates in supporting false claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Principal \/ Head of School:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Must respond to complaints from either parents or children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Required to investigate, document, and mediate disputes between home and school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Personal liability possible if complaints are ignored or mishandled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Increased administrative and legal burden \u2014 time-consuming investigations for minor domestic or school incidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Institution \/ School:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Teachers fearful of legal consequences may avoid any correction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Parents may stop enforcing discipline at home to avoid legal trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Traditional cultural and moral guidance undermined, weakening ethical development of children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chain Reaction:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Children learn that any parental corrective action is legally risky<\/strong>, creating an environment of unchecked misbehavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Minor misbehavior escalates; lying, refusal to follow chores, and classroom disruptions increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Teachers are unable to enforce rules; parents are hesitant to correct children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      School discipline and family authority structures erode simultaneously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Administrators face constant pressure to monitor, investigate, and document, adding bureaucratic complexity and stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Illustrative Example for Public Awareness:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      A child refuses to complete homework. Parent restricts TV access for one evening. Child claims mental discomfort\u201d under the law. Parent could face police investigation, fines, or imprisonment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      At school, the same child is caught cheating. Teacher gives a firm verbal warning. Student claims public humiliation\u201d under the Bill. Teacher could face the same legal risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Result: Children exploit the law<\/strong> to avoid responsibilities, parents are scared to correct them, and schools are hesitant to enforce discipline \u2014 leading to widespread chaos at home and school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Sibling Fights and Peer Conflicts Become Legal Minefields<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scenario (Home & School):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Home:<\/strong> Two siblings argue over a toy. Parent intervenes and temporarily separates or scolds them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      School:<\/strong> Two students have a minor fight on the playground; teacher gives a verbal reprimand or sends them to sit apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bill text:<\/strong> Section 308B(1)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

any act, whether physical or non-physical, causing pain, discomfort or humiliation to a person under eighteen years of age.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expanded Impact:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parent:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Scolding or separating fighting children could be reported as humiliation\u201d or mental discomfort.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Risk of criminal investigation, fines, or imprisonment, even for ordinary sibling disputes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Parents may avoid mediating conflicts, leaving children without guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teacher:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Cannot effectively separate or correct students in conflicts for fear of allegations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Risk of complaints for any mild corrective measure, even verbal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Child:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Can manipulate minor conflicts to claim mistreatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Gains leverage to avoid consequences or assert authority over adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Principal \/ Head of School:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Must investigate and mediate minor disputes to prevent legal consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Administrative burden escalates; small conflicts may now become legal cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Institution \/ School:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Teachers hesitate to intervene in minor conflicts \u2192 fights escalate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Bullying or teasing may go unchecked due to fear of humiliation\u201d claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chain Reaction:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Ordinary sibling squabbles and school playground disputes turn into legal headaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Children learn they can exploit disputes to avoid punishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Parents and teachers are paralyzed; institutional authority erodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Minor Physical Corrections by Parents or Elders Criminalized<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scenario (Home & School):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Home:<\/strong> Parent lightly taps a child\u2019s hand for reaching for a dangerous object.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      School:<\/strong> Teacher taps a student\u2019s desk or hand to get attention during class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bill text:<\/strong> Section 308B(1)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Corporal punishment includes any act, whether physical or non-physical, causing pain, discomfort or humiliation\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expanded Impact:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parent \/ Teacher:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Even minor protective or corrective acts can be construed as corporal punishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Subject to police complaints, fines, or imprisonment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Ordinary child safety measures are discouraged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Child:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Can exploit minor protective corrections, exaggerating impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      May manipulate situations to avoid learning consequences or responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Principal \/ School Head:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Must investigate complaints about these minor\u201d acts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Failure to act could create liability; acting may escalate legal or social tension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Institution \/ School:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Fear of legal action \u2192 zero-tolerance for minor safety interventions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Children may engage in risky behavior knowing adults cannot intervene physically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chain Reaction:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Safety and discipline compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Children gain leverage to manipulate adults and avoid accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Cultural practices of guiding children physically or correcting dangerous behavior are undermined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Public Reprimand or Classroom Correction Leads to Legal Action<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scenario (School & Home):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      School:<\/strong> Teacher publicly corrects a student for disrupting class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Home:<\/strong> Parent publicly points out a child\u2019s lie in front of siblings or relatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bill text:<\/strong> Section 308B examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A teacher humiliates a student publicly during a school assembly\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expanded Impact:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teacher:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Fear of being accused of public humiliation\u201d \u2192 avoids correcting students publicly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Classrooms may become chaotic; peer misbehavior unchecked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parent:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Risk of being reported for normal moral guidance in front of family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Avoids teaching values publicly; children miss lessons on accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Child:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Can exploit public corrections to exaggerate humiliation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Manipulates adults to avoid responsibility or gain privileges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Principal \/ School Head:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Must mediate complaints arising from public reprimands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Administrative and investigative burden increases, diverting attention from education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Institution \/ School:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Teachers adopt overly cautious or lenient policies \u2192 students lose respect for authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Traditional moral and ethical instruction in schools erodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chain Reaction:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Public guidance becomes legally risky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Children perceive law as protection against discipline, encouraging misbehavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Adults\u2019 ability to enforce rules diminishes, schools and families lose moral authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public Correction or Guidance Becomes Dangerous<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scenario (School & Home):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      School:<\/strong> A teacher reprimands a student publicly during a school assembly for bullying another student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7      Home:<\/strong> A parent corrects a child in front of siblings for lying or misbehavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bill text:<\/strong> Examples in Section 308B explicitly cite public humiliation as corporal punishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Impact:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Educators may avoid addressing misconduct publicly, letting misbehavior continue unchecked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Moral and ethical guidance that relies on visible examples is undermined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Teachers face possible police investigation, fines, or imprisonment even for minor corrective actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Parents may fear teaching children important lessons about honesty or responsibility in a public setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Children can manipulate public situations to claim humiliation, gaining leverage over adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Principals must document all incidents; failure to do so could create personal legal liability, increasing administrative stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Institutional and Vulnerable Children Are Overprotected to a Fault<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scenario:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Caregivers at a children\u2019s home or school hostel correct misbehavior, either verbally or with minor guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bill text:<\/strong> Section 308B(3) imposes 6 months\u20132 years imprisonment and fines for corporal punishment toward children in state custody, school hostels, daycare centers, or those with disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Impact:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Staff may stop all corrective measures to avoid legal risk, creating unsafe or undisciplined environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Even minor guidance or routine discipline could result in severe legal consequences, criminal investigations, or compensation claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Vulnerable children may learn to misbehave freely, knowing adults cannot intervene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Schools and institutions face administrative burden and potential reputational damage if an allegation arises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Children Can Exploit the Law<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scenario:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Children and teenagers may threaten to report parents or teachers for minor misbehavior to avoid consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Siblings or peers could exaggerate incidents (like a mild reprimand or denied privilege) to get an adult in trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Impact:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Children gain unprecedented leverage over parents, teachers, and institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Ordinary disputes, corrections, or guidance can escalate into legal complaints or investigations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Parents and teachers may become overly cautious or passive, leaving children with no accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       The home-school interface becomes a legal minefield, with principals and caregivers under constant scrutiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Ordinary Family Discipline Threatened<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scenario:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Traditional parenting practices like mild spanking, firm verbal reprimands, or teaching moral\/ethical behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Impact:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Such practices are now criminalized under vague definitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Cultural norms emphasizing respect, hierarchy, and duty-based upbringing are directly challenged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Parents may avoid enforcing rules, leading to children growing up without clear moral boundaries or accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Teachers may hesitate to maintain discipline in classrooms, affecting the learning environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Teacher and Parent Anxiety<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Impact:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Adults may feel fearful and uncertain in every interaction with children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Even simple actions\u2014telling a child to sit quietly, correcting behavior, or removing privileges\u2014could trigger legal action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Teachers and parents may feel they must document every word and action, creating excessive administrative burden and eroding natural guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Societal, Emotional, and Procedural Consequences<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bill\u2019s vague definitions and harsh penalties extend consequences far beyond individual families or schools. At a societal level<\/strong>, respect for elders, teachers, and authority figures may erode, leading to increased juvenile misconduct, unchecked bullying, and weakened community moral standards. Emotionally<\/strong>, parents and teachers experience fear, anxiety, and stress in everyday interactions, while children may develop confusion, mistrust, or manipulative behavior due to inconsistent guidance. Procedurally<\/strong>, any minor complaint triggers formal investigations, documentation, and potential legal action, creating a bureaucratic burden on schools, principals, and law enforcement, diverting time and resources from education and child welfare. Ordinary corrective measures, safety interventions, or moral guidance risk escalating into legal disputes, leaving adults hesitant to act and children with unchecked freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why This Bill is Dangerous<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Vague Terms:<\/strong> Words like discomfort\u201d and humiliation\u201d are subjective; a child\u2019s perception alone could trigger investigations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Enhanced Penalties:<\/strong> Minor acts in institutions or with vulnerable children carry imprisonment and fines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Cultural Clash:<\/strong> Overturns centuries of Sri Lankan child-rearing practices where mild correction was considered moral duty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Power Shift:<\/strong> Children gain unprecedented legal authority over adults, changing traditional family and school hierarchies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Manipulation Risk:<\/strong> Children may misuse the law to avoid responsibility, exaggerate incidents, or coerce adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immediate Consequences if Enforced<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Parents become fearful to guide or discipline their children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Teachers may stop all forms of classroom correction, creating unsafe or chaotic school environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Traditional methods of upbringing are criminalized, eroding moral and cultural education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Children and teenagers gain the ability to manipulate legal consequences to their advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7       Ordinary corrective measures could lead to legal battles, fines, or imprisonment, even if the intent was educational or protective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Penal Code (Amendment) Bill No. 33 of 2025, while claiming to protect children, creates confusion, fear, and opportunities for manipulation. It undermines parental authority, teacher guidance, and centuries-old cultural practices in Sri Lanka. Ordinary family discipline, moral teaching, and school authority are at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parents, educators, and the public must be aware of these far-reaching consequences<\/strong> before this law becomes fully enacted and enforced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WITHDRAW THE BILL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is not too late for the Government to act responsibly.<\/strong> By withdrawing this Bill, policymakers can prevent the creation of a generation growing up without boundaries, self-control, or respect for authority.<\/strong> Protecting children should never come at the expense of moral guidance, family authority, or social cohesion. The Government has the opportunity to uphold both the safety and ethical development of Sri Lankan children by reconsidering and withdrawing this dangerous legislation before it is enacted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shenali D Waduge<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Shenali D Waduge The Penal Code (Amendment) Bill No. 33 of 2025, recently passed by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection\u2014chaired by Hon. Dr. Najith Indika and including members Mujibur Rahman, M.K.M. Aslam, Sellaththamby Thilaganathan, Attorney-at-Law Thushari Jayasingha, Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara, Hon. Ajith P. Perera, Attorney-at-Law (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law Chithral Fernando, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-152253","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-shenali-waduge"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152253","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=152253"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152253\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":152254,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152253\/revisions\/152254"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=152253"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=152253"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=152253"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}