Sri Lanka, Oct. 8 -- In July this year, the parliament took a historic step. It amended the Penal Code, banning all forms of corporal punishment inflicted on children. The government needs be appreciated for taking this bold step. From ancient times, our country has recognised the criminality of imposing corporal punishment as a form of discipline on children.
Our ancient chronicle the 'Chulavamsa' -- dating back to the 13th century -- records a law banning the use of corporal punishment on both adults and children as quoted by 15-year-old Hesindi Rivisinghe, a student from Galle.
Corporal punishment became part of the school administration system after British missionaries established the colonial education system in which corporal punis...