Inquiry launched over alleged sexual harassment of State TV presenter

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

Chairman of the Independent Television Network Sudarshana Gunawardana yesterday said he had instructed the General Manager of ITN to immediately start an inquiry on the alleged sexual harassment case of a former employee at the News and Current Affairs Division at ITN.

Ishara Devendra, a former journalist attached to the ITN, recently alleged that she faced sexual harassment from a senior official at the ITN on a regular basis.

She alleged that even though she had informed the authorities about the sexual harassment complaints with evidence and audio video recording, no one had taken action.
She said that she decided to leave the service to protect her self-respect. 

She had further said that there is an environment in the ITN where women constantly face such harassment.

Responding to the allegations, ITN Chairman said that the management of the ITN is in the process of selecting an external inquiring officer. 
“I am on leave since Saturday and am in Chiang Mai, Thailand attending to a conference organized by UNDP,” he said.

Meanwhile, issuing a statement, the Federation of Media Employees Trade Unions also commended the victim’s bravery and the steps she took to expose the “barbaric act” without fear.