A former diplomatic officer accused of molestation has been appointed as a private secretary to a government minister, according to a report by the Tamil Vision website in Canada. The report alleges that the individual in question had been previously accused of sexually harassing a senior officer while serving in the diplomatic service.
Currently holding the position of Deputy High Commissioner, the accused officer is said to have initially entered the diplomatic service due to close ties with a powerful politician. Following the molestation allegations, the Foreign Ministry reportedly brought the complainant back to Sri Lanka to conduct an independent investigation into the matter.
Despite these allegations, the individual has been appointed to a ministerial position, raising significant concerns about accountability and ethical governance. The Tamil Vision report also suggests that the officer’s recent affiliation with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) might have facilitated this appointment.
Additionally, the report highlights that two other diplomatic officers have allegedly faced difficulties after the accused officer assumed his new role. These officers are reportedly considering formal complaints about the inconvenience caused by his actions.
This development has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly in light of the unresolved allegations and the ethical implications of appointing someone with such accusations to a position of power. Critics argue that such appointments undermine public trust in the government and its commitment to justice and transparency.