Financial Times

SriLankan protection against workplace harassment
SriLankan Airlines has introduced a comprehensive policy against harassment in the workplace, a pioneering move which may have far-reaching consequences in work environments throughout the country.

“We at SriLankan Airlines are very much aware that it is in the best interests of any organization to provide every employee with a work environment that is safe and comfortable, and to promote professional work ethics throughout the company. Ultimately, it is the organization which will benefit through increased employee morale, lower employee turnover and greater productivity,” said Chief Executive Officer, SriLankan Airlines Peter Hill in a statement.

SriLankan’s policy is the most comprehensive in any organization in the country.” The national carrier has appointed a committee headed by two external Ombudsmen, to investigate any complaint of harassment, and take disciplinary action. They are Bradman Weerakoon (Ombudsman) who is one of Sri Lanka’s most distinguished civil servants, and Ms. Manoli Jinadasa, a well-known attorney-at-law.

The Committee, which reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer, comprises Ms. Mildred Peries (Company Secretary), Ms. Deepika Dassenaike (Legal Affairs Manager), Ms. Priya Chandrasena (Management Accounting Manager), Rashmore Ferdinands (Manager Inflight Service Delivery), and Srimanthaka Senanayake (International Relations Manager).

The policy is contained in a 10-page document that provides detailed definitions on all aspects of a harassment complaint - including investigation, interviewing of witnesses, weighing of evidence, disciplinary action, and time periods by which the complaint must be dealt with. An investigation would commence within 48 hours of a complaint being made, and matters relating to any complaint would under normal circumstances be completed within a period of one month.

Forms of harassment include inappropriate or unwelcome behaviour, conduct not acceptable in a professional environment, assault, touching, staring, sending letters, pasting posters, bullying, insults, inappropriate jokes, spreading rumours, making threats, casting remarks, and giving inappropriate compliments.

It also includes any action based on prejudices of a sexual, racial, religious, anti-gay, economic, appearance, disability or other nature.

Disciplinary measures which the Committee can hand down include verbal warning, written warning, negative evaluation, order payment of compensation by the harasser, transfer, demotion, or termination of service, in the case of an employee. In the case of an external party being the harasser, the company could also take a variety of actions including repudiation of contract. If necessary, the committee could also refer any matter to any judicial authority according to the laws of Sri Lanka, a statement from the airline said.

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