2 weeks Ago By Thilina Walpola
Crime and Punishment are perennial, vexed, debatable matters that can aptly be applied to the current controversy on the appropriateness of corporal punishment by schoolteachers. Much publicity has recently been generated by an alleged corporal punishment by a teacher in Royal College. In the midst of all this, we must also consider the ripple effect such public scrutiny may have on other teachers.
Many might now hesitate to correct or discipline a student out of fear of being misunderstood or publicly shamed. A possible likely outcome is that a growing number of teachers may simply choose to limit themselves to merely textbook teaching – doing only what is required of them and nothing more. But if most teachers take a step back, fearing a backlash, what happens to discipline? What happens to the values, the life lessons and the personal growth that come from being held accountable? We risk creating a system where young students grow up without boundaries, without guidance, and ultimately, without the character that true education is meant to build.
The Royal matter Much has been said over the recent incident involving a teacher at Royal College, which has now gone viral on social media. This is now in the hands of the Child Protection Authority, and naturally, emotions are running high. Let me start by saying categorically that I do not condone violence or abuse in any form.
If a student has been harmed—physically or emotionally—there is a legal process in place, and it must take its course, fairly and justly, without bias. However, I write not to justify wrong, but to offer some perspective—especially to those who may not know the culture and values that shaped generations of Royalists before them. I’m not an academic, nor a brilliant thinker.
What I am is someone who learned life’s greatest lessons on the playing fields of Royal. Discipline, resilience, respect—these were not just words; they were lived experiences, often taught the hard way. During my time at Royal Primary (from 1945 to 1950), corporal punishment was the norm.
We were mischievous, as young boys often are, and the cane was a regular visitor. I, like many others, was caned more times than I can count. We didn’t run home to complain.
In fact, the one time I told my mother, I received two additional slaps from her! That was the thinking back then—it taught us to take responsibility for our actions. Let me be clear: I’m not saying things must remain the same. Times have changed and so have the boundaries of what is acceptable.
What I’m questioning is the way we are responding as if one or two incidents can define the entire teaching profession at Royal. There are nearly 500 teachers at Royal College now. Most are committed educators who give their best every single day.
Why must we paint them all with the same brush because of the actions of a few? We seem to be caught between two extremes: we complain about student indiscipline—hooting, bullying, misbehaving—but then we condemn every teacher who takes a strong stand on discipline. We can’t have it both ways. Yes, Royal too has its share of “rotten apples.
” So does every great institution in the world. But let us not forget the thousands of students who have been shaped by the silent, committed service of teachers who never sought recognition or fame. I’ve personally experienced forms of punishment that, by today’s standards, would be considered extreme.
Yet, those moments, though harsh, taught me resilience. They instilled in me the values that made Royal College the respected institution it is today. I urge you all not to excuse wrongdoing—but to look at this situation in perspective.
Let justice take its course but let us not allow a single incident to overshadow the legacy of an entire institution or profession. Let’s respond with fairness, wisdom, and above all, respect—for our students, our teachers, and the Royal values we stand for. Lorenz Pereira by email.
