Assault on journalists at medical students quarters: legal action against suspects

Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene yesterday said legal action will be taken against the suspects who were involved in the assault of journalists at the Medical Faculty student quarters on August 28.

Addressing the media at the Information Department the Minister said the journalists should have the freedom to perform their duties and any kind of intimidation to them would create an adverse impact on the country's progress.

The IGP and the Cinnamon Gardens police station were directed to conduct an impartial inquiry into this matter soon after the Ministry came to know about this incident. The Police are conducting a full scale investigation into this incident and the suspects will be brought to book after the investigations are completed, the Minister said.

The Government expressed regret over this incident and the students' response against what they termed as intrusion cannot be condoned in any form. There are ample ways to respond to anyone who trespasses one's place without permission and students' response cannot be accepted, the minister said.