Ramisha Dinithi Thamel had returned to class late and, according to the teachers, had given contradictory explanations. The teachers beat her and called emergency services after an hour, even though the girl was unconscious. Physical punishment at school is widespread in Sri Lanka, although the Ministry of Education has condemned the practice.
Colombo () – The tragic death of a 16-year-old student at the hands of two teachers has deeply shocked public opinion in Sri Lanka, raising many questions about the disciplinary practices used in school. Ramisha Dinithi Thamel, a student at Martin and Forest College in Wennappuwa (an institution attended by children from low-income families in the country’s northwestern province) was physically attacked on August 9 by the head teacher and the music teacher because she had dropped out the class without permission and lied about it. The girl was unconscious for about an hour before the teachers, convinced she was faking it, called her parents. She was rushed to the hospital, underwent several surgeries and transferred to three different hospitals, but never regained consciousness. He died on November 13 due to a brain hemorrhage as a result of the attack.
According to the reconstruction made during the investigation, Ramisha and a classmate had returned late, and the teenager had been accused of giving incoherent explanations. “The teachers punished her physically, brutally beating her and forcing her to kneel in the sun. The severity of the attack was the reason why she had to be hospitalized,” the police confirmed, although it was not possible to collect Ramisha’s direct testimony due to her critical condition. The two teachers involved, aged 39 and 57, were arrested immediately after the attack, but were released on bail in September. When the girl died, on November 14 they were detained again and sent to trial.
The use of physical punishment in schools remains widespread in most Sri Lankan institutions. Nalaka Kaluwewa, secretary of the Ministry of Education, said in a press conference that “the Ministry does not support or defend physical punishment. Teachers have the responsibility to create a safe and positive environment for the growth of students. Even in response to bad behavior, inflicting physical punishment is not justifiable, because it can have devastating consequences. The minister then assured that appropriate measures will be taken to prevent similar tragedies.
According to human rights lawyers Sapumali Caldera and Nishantha Wijesekara, interviewed by the episode also highlighted the teachers’ inability “to recognize the physical and mental impact of their actions on vulnerable children”, and said they were willing to “offer free legal advice to the family, who comes from an environment of low resources.”
“It is necessary to understand the different contexts and emotional needs of students to address behavioral problems with empathy and professionalism. Above all, teachers must prioritize the well-being of their students, ensuring that any measures they take reflect their role as mentors and protectors, rather than relying on punishment,” they added.
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