Punishment by teacher; nine-year-old schoolboy suffers fracture

A nine-year-old schoolboy studying in grade five at a semigovernment school in Colombo was reported to have been assaulted by the teacher who teaches dancing, a week ago.

Having lost patience with the student during the lessons in the class, it is alleged that the teacher had struck the student’s palm with a wooden implement that was used to beat the drums during dancing.

The impact of the stroke by the teacher resulted in a fracture of the boy’s arm, it was diagnosed upon admission to hospital. The boy’s arm was strapped with a Plaster of Paris cast.

With regard to this incident, National Child’s Protection Authority (NCPA) Chairperson Marini de Livera commented that the complaint was made to the NCPA on May 31 and they have already commenced investigations.

This instance is seen by the NCPA, as a violation to a child’s rights to dignity and education. Cruel and degrading treatment has been regarded as a very serious form of torture under article 11 of the Constitution.

Hence, the NCPA Head stated that the incident was regarded as a very serious issue and that the NCPA will be going all-out to support the investigations. She also stressed that they have signed the UN Child’s Right Convention and have assumed legal obligations to adhere to international standards, and hence, the NCPA holds very wide power to take action with regard to this incident.

Investigations are under way.