UNP mob attacks media

Another ITN journalist was attacked by a mob yesterday inside the UNP Headquarters Sirikotha where he went to cover an event carrying an official invitation. The victim was R.M. Sugath, an ITN Provincial Correspondent.

He went to cover the event bearing an invitation sent by the UNP's Media Unit.

The security at the gates had allowed him in after being duly checked.

However while covering the event inside the premises, he was confronted by a mob who mercilessly assaulted him.

They also attempted to grab his video camera and also rip off the film.However due to the intervention of the security he was spared further agony and managed to escape. He has lodged a complaint with Mirihana Police who have already commenced investigations.

A few days ago an ITN media team which went to cover the UNP convention in Welisara was similarly attacked by UNP goons to this reason prior to assigning the journalist for yesterday's coverage the ITN management had sought assurance from the organisers that there would not be a repetition. The journalist was eventually sent after being told he would be welcome to cover the event since the party valued media freedom.

Meanwhile, ITN in a statement issued last night strongly condemned the attack on its colleague inside the very headquarters of the UNP after being officially invited to cover an event.