The Hon. Sajith Premadasa – Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, today’s debate concerns safeguarding the human rights of our children—ensuring they are free from cruelty and violence, and protected from physical and psychological punishment. In a humane and civilized society, there can be no dispute on this. I believe all 225 Members agree that children must be guaranteed a life free of violence.

¶ 02 The Minister referred to Chapter VI of the Constitution—Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties—stating that strengthening children and youth physically, mentally, and morally is a duty of the State. But Chapter VI is non-justiciable; Article 29 makes clear that no rights arise in law from that Chapter. Therefore, what must we do? The rights in Chapter VI—children’s rights among them—should be elevated as enforceable fundamental rights by incorporating them into Chapter III. The long-advocated constitutional reform should bring Chapter VI within justiciable fundamental rights, ensuring children’s, youths’, and women’s rights can be enforced in court.

¶ 03 Also, human rights must not be seen through a narrow Western-centric lens. They are universal—civil and political rights, yes, but also economic, social, cultural, religious rights, and the right to life. Education and health are human rights. As we protect children from violence, we must also uphold their economic rights—the right to be free from hunger and malnutrition. With nearly 50% reportedly in poverty, how do we protect children’s rights? Maternal nutrition, low birth weight, wasting, stunting, anaemia—all directly affect children’s outcomes.

¶ 04 We were told the IMF programme would reduce the burden on families. We accept working within that framework, but let us ask honestly—has it strengthened children’s economic rights? Trickle-down economics in a liberal model does not protect vulnerable children; nor do extreme statist models that have failed elsewhere. What we need is a humane middle path—social democracy blended with a humane market economy—ensuring not only civil and political rights but also economic, social, cultural, religious rights, and the right to life, education, and health. Only then will prosperous families emerge and our most vulnerable—children—be truly protected.

¶ 05 We unequivocally reject violence—physical, mental, or assaults on children’s dignity. Parents and teachers have responsibilities to guide children, but that must be humane. Let us continue an open, in-depth dialogue on a balanced approach to discipline without cruelty.

¶ 06 A further concern: narcotics have infiltrated schools, even via digital wallets. Cracking down on drug trafficking is fundamental to safeguarding children’s rights.

¶ 07 This debate is not straightforward. Protecting children from punishment is agreed; cultivating disciplined, ethical citizens also requires adult guidance delivered humanely. We should keep engaging until we reach consensus.