Archives

Strict measures against sexual harassment in public transport

by Rajmi Manatunga

The Transport Ministry has decided to take strict measures against sexual harassment in public transport services.

State Transport Minister Piyasoma Upali told the media yesterday that a special programme to minimise cases of sexual harassment in buses and other public transport will be launched by the Ministry in collaboration with concerned social groups.

"Sexual harassment has become a major issue in public transport services. Commuters irrespective of their age, especially women and children are often harassed by certain people while travelling in crowded buses and trains. It is our responsibility to look into this crucial matter," he said.

The Minister along with officials of the Women's Affairs Ministry met transport authorities including the Ceylon Transport Board, the National Transport Commission, the Railways Department and representatives of the Lawyers Association on Human Rights and Development last week to discuss ways of repelling sexual and other practices of harassment from the public transport sector.

They decided to take strict legal action against the perpetrators and to launch a community awareness program on sexual harassment which prevails in Lankan public transport services to a large extent.

A sticker saying 'no to sexual harassment' in buses and trains was ceremonially issued by the Minister last Thursday. The sticker, printed in all three languages, informs the public of legal grounds and sanctions regarding sexual harassment. They will be distributed among all transport authorities to be displayed in public vehicles.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager