Srilanka, Oct. 19 -- "Idid not raise children so that people could beat them up. So yes, teachers shouldn't be allowed to hit children, but the parents should have the right to. If not, one day the same people will turn around and blame the parents for not raising their children right," says Jayanthi, a single mother of one.

Jayanthi says that physical punishment to a certain degree can instill a sense of civic responsibility and social morals, as she claims a similar approach by her parents have turned her into a law-abiding citizen. Jayanthi's eldest son was hospitalised when he was in the Grade three after being made to kneel on gravel under the hot March sun, by the class teacher for allegedly walking around the classroom during a le...