Sri Lanka's Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has cautioned against punishing or psychologically abusing children over their Grade 5 Scholarship Examination performance, warning of strict legal consequences.
The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has issued a formal warning following the release of the 2026 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination results, cautioning parents, guardians, and other individuals against subjecting children to physical punishment or psychological abuse based on their exam performance.
The ministry urged families to refrain from punishing children or causing them emotional harm due to their examination outcomes. Officials emphasised that such conduct violates child protection laws and committed to pursuing the maximum possible legal remedies against those found responsible for abuse.
Beyond family settings, the ministry also targeted media organisations and social media users, requesting they avoid publishing or sharing examination results in ways that could embarrass, distress, or cause discomfort to children. The ministry classified this type of public exposure as a form of conduct that could constitute child abuse offences.
The warning represents a preventative measure by the ministry to protect children's welfare during a period when examination results typically prompt intense emotional responses from families and communities across the country.