The final investigation report on the alleged sexual harassment of a female officer, attached to Parliament, was tabled in the House yesterday, with findings concluding that no such harassment had occurred.

Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne informed the MPs that the report was presented during yesterday’s sitting (04) and that a copy had been placed in the Parliamentary Library for reference.

The inquiry stemmed from a matter raised in the Chamber on 07 January, 2025, by MP Mujibur Rahman, who alleged that a female employee of the Department of Information Systems and Management of Parliament had been subjected to sexual harassment.

An internal inquiry was subsequently conducted. However, as the complainant expressed dissatisfaction with its outcome, the Parliamentary

Staff Advisory Committee, at its meeting on July 25, 2025, resolved to appoint an external investigator.

Retired High Court Judge Sujatha Alahapperuma was entrusted with the probe. She summoned all relevant parties, examined material pertaining to the incident and compiled a comprehensive report.

The final report was submitted to the Speaker on 24 November, 2025. In line with a decision taken at the Parliamentary Advisory Committee meeting held on 19 February, 2026, the document was formally tabled in Parliament yesterday.

According to the findings submitted to the Speaker, the investigation concluded, on the basis of the evidence reviewed, that no act of sexual harassment had taken place against the officer who lodged the complaint.

The report has revealed that no incidents of sexual harassment involving any other female officers in the same division took place.

By Saman Indrajith

NPP Kurunegala District MP M.K.M. Aslam yesterday accused several Opposition members of hypocrisy, alleging that some who now expressed concern over civilian casualties in the Middle East had remained silent when Sri Lankan Muslims faced violence in the past.

Speaking in Parliament, Aslam said certain MPs were “shedding tears” over the suffering of Muslims amid the ongoing escalation of violence in the Middle East, but had failed to speak out when Muslims were attacked in Dharga Town, Beruwala, while they were in government.

“I cannot comprehend their behaviour. The MP who spoke immediately before me is crying for Muslims undergoing suffering in the Middle East. Where was he when Muslims were attacked in Dharga Town? At that time he was in government and did not utter a single word,” Aslam said.

He alleged that another Opposition MP from Hettipola had supporters who were involved in setting fire to Muslim-owned properties during past unrest, yet was now attempting to champion the Muslim cause.

Aslam also claimed that some MPs who were now voicing concern had, only a few years ago, called on the government to deploy the State Intelligence Service to monitor the entire Muslim community in Sri Lanka.

“These are the same MPs who are now shedding crocodile tears over the victims of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. That conflict has existed for decades. We cannot understand the double standards of these Opposition members,” he said.

Rising on a point of order, Kalutara District NDF MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena, who had spoken immediately prior to Aslam, said he was born in Beruwala and had always maintained close ties and friendship with the Muslim community there.

In response, Aslam clarified that he had not mentioned any MP by name, but reiterated that certain Opposition members had remained silent when Muslims were attacked in Sri Lanka several years ago.

By Saman Indrajith

Due to prevailing dry weather and strong winds affecting the hill country, wildfires are spreading. They have been reported from several locations across the plantation sector.

Environmentalists point out that the burning of these vital catchment areas in the central hills could lead to a severe water shortage in the future.

According to local residents, these fires are set by certain individuals with the aim of flushing out animals for hunting.

By S.K. Samaranayake