By The Pulseline News Desk
More than six months after a formal report confirmed allegations of harassment and discrimination against a female officer in Parliament’s Information Systems and Management Department, the recommended corrective actions remain unimplemented, prompting fresh scrutiny over internal accountability mechanisms.
The matter has now been referred to the Parliament Staff Advisory Committee to determine the next course of action on the findings of a committee led by former High Court Judge Sujatha Alahapperuma.
The report, submitted to the Speaker after an inquiry into allegations against senior departmental officials, had reportedly found that the officer had been subjected to repeated verbal harassment and discriminatory treatment. It had also been recommended that the female officer be granted justice and appropriate remedial action.
Despite these findings, no concrete steps have been taken to implement the recommendations, according to parliamentary employees familiar with the matter. They have also noted that the officer has been denied salary increments for three years, even though she has since been transferred to another division where her performance has been positively assessed by senior management.
The continued delay has raised concerns among staff, who describe the situation as a serious administrative lapse. Some have also questioned whether the commissioning of a further internal report – reportedly from another parliamentary official – is intended to revisit or delay the implementation of the original findings.
The development has reportedly added to growing unease within parliamentary administrative circles over how internal disciplinary and grievance mechanisms are handled, particularly in cases involving senior officials.
The issue was also raised in Parliament by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and opposition member of parliament (MP) Dayasiri Jayasekara, who have urged the Speaker to ensure that the recommendations are implemented without further delay.
Opposition MPs say they will continue to monitor the case closely, insisting that accountability and justice must not be further postponed.
The case now rests with the Staff Advisory Committee, whose decision is expected to determine whether the long-pending recommendations are finally acted upon or subject to further review.
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