Three Parliamentary Employees Guilty of Sexual Harassment Dismissed from Service

COLOMBO (News 1st): Three employees of Parliament who were found guilty of sexually assaulting female staff of Parliament have been dismissed.

Action on the matter was taken following an investigative process which confirmed the guilt of these employees. 

Following reports published in newspapers on July 30th and August 2nd, 2023, regarding incidents of sexual harassment against Parliamentary staff during the years 2021 and 2022, an internal tri-member investigative committee was appointed.

During the investigations conducted by this committee, two parliamentary employees were suspended from service. 

The committee's report was submitted to the Secretary-General of Parliament on August 23, 2023. 

Subsequently, for further guidance, the report was referred to the Attorney General. 

Parliament announced that based on the Attorney General's recommendations the investigation was handed over to the Bureau for the Prevention of Abuse of Children and Women under the directive of the Inspector General of Police.

Retired High Court Judge Kusala Sarojini Weerawardena, was appointed to lead a legal disciplinary inquiry.

The final report of this disciplinary inquiry was submitted to the Secretary-General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, on December 23rd, 2024 and a recommendation was made to dismiss the three employees.

the employees have now been officially removed from service.