The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill. To protect the country’s future generation — children who must become future leaders — this debate gives me happiness.

¶ 02 Not only in schools but also in children’s homes, neighborhoods, and even houses, children have faced punishments. Though laws existed, without proper procedures and guidance these incidents continued. Therefore, by implementing the law correctly, we must ensure a prosperous future generation. At the same time, we must ask why punishments are administered. Parents want their children to do well; teachers want disciplined students; in various settings, to make them engage in good acts, punishments are given. But when that creates fear and uncertainty about the future, children become violent and unable to rise in society. Alongside such laws, we must think how to stop such acts. Can laws alone control crime, or must we create broader social change and present alternative programs?

¶ 03 In adolescence, youths are driven by impulses and curiosity; how do we guide them well and build a good society? Parents and teachers often cannot handle these issues and resort to punishment; those undergoing mental strain or other hardship also punish children. This Bill is necessary, but we must also create programs to prevent such punishments; the Government has a responsibility to carry out community-wide explanations and programs. Laws alone cannot win this battle or protect children.

¶ 04 In the North and East, children suffered greatly. Even in the mass graves in Chemmani, human remains are found of people clutching children. Therefore, we welcome this Bill; but you must also say what punishment will be given to those who committed injustices against Tamil children and community in the past. Your Government has been in office for a year. Without concrete commitments on resettlement or addressing past killings, merely passing this Bill will not win Tamil hearts. We support the Bill for child protection but ask that you act on past injustices as well. Thank you.