Zero Tolerance for Corporal Punishment — Ministry Circular 11/2026
Zero Tolerance for Corporal
Punishment in Schools
Ministry of Education — Circular 11/2026
The Ministry of Education has issued a fresh directive effective 30 March 2026, reinforcing that no physical or psychological harm may be inflicted on any child as punishment — backed by a Supreme Court ruling in Case No. 461/2012 (FR).
What Is This Circular About?
The Sri Lanka Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has issued Circular 11/2026 on 30 March 2026, addressed to all provincial and zonal education directors, divisional education officers, school principals, and administrators of government and government-approved private schools island-wide.
This circular is a direct response to directions from the Supreme Court and builds on the earlier Circular 12/2016 dated 29 April 2016, updating its instructions in line with court rulings and strengthening enforcement mechanisms to ensure the safety and dignity of every child in the Sri Lankan school system.
No physical or psychological harm of any kind may be inflicted on any child as a means of punishment or for any other reason. Violation of this directive is a criminal offence and perpetrators will be dealt with under the law.
Background: The Supreme Court Directive
The key catalyst for this circular is Clause 17 of the judgment in Supreme Court Fundamental Rights Case No. 461/2012 (FR). In that landmark ruling, the Court made a clear directive to the Ministry of Education:
"In this regard, the Court observes the need for the Ministry of Education to issue afresh circular addressed to all Teachers and Administrators of all schools stating clearly that no physical or psychological harm should be inflicted on any child as a means of punishment or for any other reason. The Circular must state that there will be zero tolerance of any form of corporeal punishment, and perpetrators will be dealt with in terms of the law."
In Tamil, the circular further reinforces this principle: no child should be subjected to any physical or psychological harm for any reason whatsoever, and all forms of corporal punishment are categorically prohibited, with legal action to follow against offenders.
Key Instructions to Schools
The circular outlines the following mandatory directives for all school administrators:
- Enforce the instructions of Circular 12/2016 (dated 29.04.2016) along with all updated guidelines in the current circular going forward.
- Zero tolerance on corporal punishment — no physical or psychological harm may be caused to a student as a form of discipline under any circumstance.
- Special attention must be given to the matters highlighted in Clause 17 of Supreme Court ruling No. 461/2012 (FR) when implementing school discipline.
- Positive discipline methods must be adopted when dealing with students — corrective approaches must prioritise honest conduct, guidance, and support.
- Legal action will be taken against any officer who inflicts bodily or psychological harm on a student under any pretext.
What Does Positive School Discipline Mean?
The circular explicitly calls for a shift from punitive to supportive approaches. Principals and teachers are instructed to promote student discipline through constructive means — emphasising honest conduct and providing support rather than fear-based control.
When interacting with students, school staff must use methods such as:
- Guiding students honestly and transparently on acceptable behaviour
- Providing support and encouragement to build self-discipline
- Engaging parents and guardians in behavioural correction
- Using counselling resources available within the school
- Reporting serious incidents through proper administrative channels
Legal Implications for Violations
Any school officer — teacher, principal, or administrator — who is found to have inflicted physical or psychological harm on a student faces criminal prosecution under Sri Lankan law. This is not merely a disciplinary matter; it is treated as a fundamental rights violation consistent with the Supreme Court's ruling.
The Ministry has emphasised that compliance is non-negotiable. Officers at all levels, from provincial directors down to classroom teachers, bear responsibility for ensuring their schools are safe environments free from all forms of punishment-based harm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this circular replace the 2016 Circular 12/2016?
No — Circular 11/2026 supplements and strengthens Circular 12/2016. The earlier circular's instructions remain in force, and the new circular adds updated directives in line with Supreme Court guidance and introduces stricter enforcement expectations.
What counts as "psychological harm" under this circular?
The circular does not narrowly define "psychological harm," which means any action that causes mental distress, humiliation, fear, or emotional injury to a student — whether through verbal abuse, public shaming, threats, or emotional intimidation — could constitute a violation.
Who can be held liable for violating this circular?
Any school officer — including classroom teachers, subject teachers, senior teachers, vice principals, and school principals — can face legal action under Sri Lankan law if found to have inflicted physical or psychological harm on a student.
Are private schools covered by this circular?
Yes. The circular is addressed to all principals of "government and government-approved private schools," meaning it applies across the full spectrum of registered schools in Sri Lanka.
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