Alleged attacks at Rupavahini:

Media Minister orders full probe

COLOMBO: Mass Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said yesterday the Government had ordered a full probe into several incidents of alleged attacks on Rupavahini Corporation employees which took place recently.

A special police team has been deployed with strict orders to arrest whoever responsible without fear or favour, the Minister said.

The Minister said it was brought to his notice that some factions were trying to sabotage transmissions at the corporation, reported even in some media.

As the foremost electronic media institution in the country such attempts could adversely affect the large number of viewers and sponsors closely linked with the organisation, the Minister said.

In this backdrop the Media Ministry has no option but to take appropriate security measures to protect Government property, National Television and its employees, Minister Yapa said.

According to a request by the Unions, the President had granted a meeting scheduled at 5.30 p.m yesterday but prior to that Trade Unions had announced their intention of resorting to a strike by evening the previous day.

"Thus giving priority to the security concerns and responsibility of the Ministry to continue transmissions efficiently and without interruptions, some administrative changes has been enacted", the Minister said.

Minister Yapa also said the Government was committed to an amicable settlement to the issue and appealed to all concerned parties to come to the negotiating table for a speedy resolution to the issue.