Parent writes to NCPA over St. Peter’s Coach slapping

A parent has written to the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), requesting it to investigate the incident where St. Peter’s College Colombo 4 Rugby Coach slapped a player during a match against D.S. Senanayake. The video capturing the alleged incident went viral on Friday. Following is the full text of the letter written by Padmasena Dissanayake to NCPA Deputy Chair Sujatha K. Kulatunga:

As per video footage Mr. Sanath Martis, Head Coach Rugby St. Peter’s College Colombo 4, is caught slapping one of his charges three times at the recently-played game between St. Peter’s and D.S. Senanayake Vidyalaya in plain view of players and spectators.

I wish to make a formal complaint and request NCPA to initiate an early and an impartial inquiry to determine:

A) Whether such an incident has actually taken place 

B) If so whether Coach Martis has committed a criminal offense 

C) If proved guilty, what action NCPA could institute to ensure Mr. Martis is banned for life from coaching school children?

I wish to state that my only interest is ensuring permanent elimination of corporal punishment and all kinds of abuse and violence committed on children. I am making this complaint purely as a citizen without any vested interests. Please advise what else is needed from me for NCPA to initiate action.

I tried calling 1929 as advised by you but failed to make contact after two repeated attempts.

Expecting speedy, impartial action.