In a significant move towards protecting children and individuals from harm, the Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to amend both the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure to ban corporal punishments across all sectors in Sri Lanka.

At the Cabinet meeting held on 29 April 2024, it was acknowledged that corporal punishments inflict severe physical and psychological harm, particularly on children. In light of this, the Cabinet approved the amendment of the Penal Code (19th Authority) to include clear definitions of penalties related to physical injuries and to formally prohibit corporal punishment in any form.

Although a draft bill of the amended Penal Code had already been prepared by the Legal Draftsman and received prior Cabinet approval for publication and submission to Parliament, this process had not yet been completed. Recognising the urgency to implement legal protections without delay, the Cabinet has now approved a resolution submitted by the Minister of Justice and National Integration to publish the draft bill in the government gazette and then present it to Parliament.

Additionally, the Cabinet has approved amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure Act No. 15 of 1979, also aimed at banning corporal punishments in all sectors. Policy approval was granted for the drafting of the necessary legal amendments to support this change.