By Kshanika Argent
A new policy on sexual harassment has
been issued with immediate effect by Sri
Lanka Telecom (SLT) to all employees in
a bid by the company to create awareness
on the matter and to address sexual
harassment in the workplace.
A panel has been appointed for the
purpose of looking into all complaints
of harassment and comprises B. M.
Jinadasa (Chairman) and M. Padmaperuma
and N. Somaratne.
According to the policy, all employees
have a right to dignity at the workplace
and all complaints of harassment will be
treated seriously and confidentially.
Indecent exposure, posters, graffiti,
sexual gestures, electronic mail or
verbal obscene language, lewd comments,
nuisance calls, rumours, gossip, slander
and tactile pinching, touching,
squeezing, kissing or molesting will be
regarded as sexual harassment.
Disciplinary measures taken by the
company in a sexual harassment will not
be limited to verbal warning or
counseling, a written warning or final
warning and dismissal.
Any person found guilty of sexual
harassment by a court of law could face
punishment, which range from
imprisonment of up to 5 years with or
without hard labour, a fine, or the
culprit paying compensation to the
victim according to the SLT circular.
According to the circular released by
SLT, the policy aims at ensuring that an
environment free of all kinds of
harassment, including sexual harassment
is maintained.
