Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that ensuring children’s human rights, protecting them without cruelty and violence, and refraining from subjecting them to physical or psychological punishment are fundamental values of a humane and civilized society. He emphasized that in today’s era, there is no debate on this matter, and everyone agrees that children must be allowed to live a life free from violence.
He pointed out that according to Chapter Six of the Constitution, which covers Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties, the government has a duty to strengthen children and youth physically, mentally, and morally. However, since the rights mentioned in Chapter Six can be deprived under Article 29 of the Constitution, these rights should instead be recognized as fundamental human rights.
Premadasa made these remarks while participating in a parliamentary debate on the rights of children and youth.
He further stated that since the government has proposed a constitutional amendment, it is expected that children’s and youth rights will be included as fundamental rights. He highlighted that Sri Lanka’s Constitution is based on a Western-centric model, and therefore it is necessary to view human rights in a collective sense—covering not only political and civil rights but also economic, social, cultural, religious, educational, and health-related rights.
The Opposition Leader stressed that children have the right to live without cruelty, violence, and corporal or psychological punishment, and that building a disciplined and moral society places responsibilities on adults as well. He noted that the concept of compassion should carry a deeper meaning, which must exclude cruelty, and that awareness of this should begin from preschool level.
Early Childhood Education
Premadasa pointed out that 70% of brain development occurs between birth and age five, yet Sri Lanka currently has an unregulated preschool system. He emphasized the responsibilities of teachers and parents in this process and urged that serious thought be given to guiding children toward becoming ethical, disciplined, and responsible citizens.
Child Rights Amid Poverty
He questioned how children’s rights could be protected when 50% of the country’s population lives in poverty. Without food security, children’s rights cannot be safeguarded, he said. Malnutrition, low birth weight, stunting, and maternal undernutrition directly affect children’s well-being, and those rights too must be protected. He raised concerns about whether the IMF agreement would strengthen or weaken children’s economic rights, stressing that while the IMF deal may be necessary, the burdens it creates for families must not continue.
He noted that even under extreme socialism or extreme capitalism, children’s rights have not been protected, citing examples from around the world.
A Middle Path is Needed
He stressed that children need a life free from hunger, which requires a middle path between social democracy and the market economy. However, he argued that the government’s approval of a neoliberal IMF agreement undermines children’s rights. He called for a humane and balanced middle path that combines social democracy with a compassionate form of capitalism.
Protecting Children from Drugs
Premadasa also highlighted the danger of narcotics in schools, stating that the education system has long been infiltrated by drugs. He noted that substances like “ice cash” are spreading rapidly, and strict action must always be taken against drug trafficking. He emphasized that protecting children from drugs is also a protection of their human rights.
