The National Freedom Front (NFF) staged a protest outside the Education Ministry in Battaramulla on Friday opposing the proposed amendment to the Penal Code that seeks to ban corporal punishment of children.
The demonstrators, including teachers, parents, and union representatives, carried placards condemning the legislation and warning lawmakers not to vote in favor of it. Protesters accused the government of “undermining school discipline” and claimed that the amendment would “send parents and teachers to jail” for disciplining children.
The protest, held in front of the ministry’s Isurupaya premises, was led by NFF National Organizer Jayantha Samaraweera. Representatives from education sector trade unions also joined the demonstration.
Earlier, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara clarified that the bill to amend Section 19 of the Penal Code has only been debated but is yet to be enacted into law. (Newswire)
