by Kace O’Neill
Dr Sisitha Jayasinghe recently challenged his dismissal by the University of Tasmania by filing an application to the Fair Work Commission. His dismissal came after the university investigated substantiated allegations that Jayasinghe sexually harassed a post-graduate student and research assistant while working on a research project – a project that was led by Jayasinghe.
Jayasinghe – a lecturer in health and biomedical science – sought reinstatement and back pay from the date of his dismissal, claiming his sacking was unfair. This, however, failed to come to fruition as the FWC deemed the actions and conduct of the lecturer as “egregious”.
Commissioner Tim Lee found that the “power imbalance” intertwined with the “delusional” level of denial regarding the numerous substantiated allegations placed against Jayasinghe led to the FWC confirming that he had, in fact, committed serious misconduct.
Read the full story at Lawyers Weekly.
