Connect with us

News

3 parliamentary employees guilty of sexual harassment, dismissed

Published

on

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. Subsequently, based on the recommendation of the Secretary-General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker of Parliament, approved their dismissal on January 9th, 2025.

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 on August 4th, 2023. This committee was established under the directives of the former Speaker and was headed by the then Director of Administration, as appointed by the Secretary-General of Parliament.

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.

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. Meanwhile, police investigations led to the arrest of another parliamentary employee. This employee was also suspended from service on January 30, 2024.

Accordingly, following the filing of charges, the accused officials requested a formal investigation. In response, a legal disciplinary inquiry was conducted in accordance with procedural regulations. For this purpose, retired High Court Judge Mrs. Kusala Sarojini Weerawardena, was appointed to lead the inquiry.The final report of this disciplinary inquiry was submitted to the Secretary-General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, on December 23rd, 2024. Based on the said report, a recommendation was made to the Speaker to dismiss the three employees with effect from the dates of suspension. Acting on this recommendation, the Speaker approved the dismissal, and the employees have now been officially removed from service.

News

Indian High Commissioner meets Defence Secretary

Published

on

By

The Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha met the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Defence Ministry yesterday (07).

The discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, underscoring the deep-rooted bilateral ties between the two nations.

They exchanged views on regional security and maritime cooperation aimed at enhancing defence collaboration.

The Indian High Commissioner emphasized India’s unwavering support for Sri Lanka in defence and security matters, particularly in counter-terrorism, maritime security and disaster response.

The Defence Secretary expressed appreciation for India’s continued assistance and acknowledged the significant role of defence partnerships in ensuring stability and security in the region.

Continue Reading

News

Security enhanced around Krrish Building after fire incidents

Published

on

By

The Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs says security measures have been reinforced around the Colombo Fort Krrish Building following two recent fire incidents.

Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed that nearly 20 police officers have been deployed for the security of the area. 

A report from the Government Analyst regarding the fires is expected soon. 

Fires were reported over the past two days, at the Krrish Building, which is currently under construction. 

A fire erupted on the 24th floor yesterday and was extinguished with the help of six fire trucks. 

A fire broke out on the 35th floor the day before and spread to the 34th floor, prompting a multi-hour firefighting operation.

Continue Reading

News

Senior DIG Waruna Jayasundara transferred

Published

on

By

Senior DIG Attorney-at-Law Waruna Jayasundara, who served as the Commandant of the Police Special Task Force (STF), along with several other high-ranking police officers, have been transferred.

The transfers include Senior DIGs and DIGs while they have been approved by the National Police Commission. These transfers are scheduled to be implemented from February 12.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that several Officers-in-Charge (OICs) are also scheduled to be transferred.

Following the transfers, the respective OICs will resume their normal duties in their new postings.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved