NCPA launches investigation into inhumane punishment of Grade 3 students

Colombo, April 12 (Daily Mirror) - The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has launched an investigation into the inhumane punishment of Grade 3 students at a boys' school in the Colombo Education Zone, NCPA Law Enforcement Director, Ms. Sajeewani Abeykoon said.

She told the media that the investigation was initiated by the Special Investigation Unit of the NCPA following a complaint received on April 8 regarding a video circulating on social media showing the alleged punishment.

According to the NCPA, a primary school teacher, identified as R. Ganeshamoorthy from a boys' school in the Colombo Education Zone, allegedly punished the Grade 3 students under his care by hitting them with a "stainless steel ruler."

Statements have been recorded from two seven-year-old boys who were subjected to the punishment, their parents, the deputy principal and other parents from the school.

"The children said that the teacher had brutally punished them for failing to memorise and recite a lesson. The parents were initially hesitant to pursue legal action. However, the NCPA explained that the case could be pursued for the betterment of the children," Abeykoon said.

The NCPA's Special Investigation Unit visited the school and examined the location where the incident occurred.

Additionally, the children were referred for forensic medical examinations (JMO), and reports have been obtained. Court orders have also been sought to record video evidence from the children.

"The preliminary investigation has been completed, and the incident has been reported to court under Section 308 of the Penal Code. The suspect, a resident of the Badulla area, is currently in hiding. A special police operation is underway to locate and arrest him," the NCPA Director added.