Attack on Editor unwarranted - minister
*Free expression, an accepted norm
*Assailant, a champion of human rights
*Disgrace to legal profession
Sandya KARUNARATHNE
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Rajpal
Abeynayake |
Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella yesterday
visited Chief Editor of Lakbimanews Rajpal Abeynayake at the Colombo
National Hospital where the latter is receiving treatment after being
assaulted at a lawyers’ function on Saturday night.
Abeynayake was subjected to an inhuman assault by a lawyer at the
Voetlight dinner at a five star hotel in Colombo when he freely
expressed his views on the duplicitous conduct of some of his lawyer
colleagues.
Minister Rambukwella stressed that it is an unfortunate incident
which needs to be fully investigated. He said that legal action should
be taken against the assailant. He said that it is hilarious that a
senior lawyer and a Chief Editor of a national newspaper had to face
this unfortunate incident at the hands of a fellow lawyer.
Minister Rambukwella said that lawyers are permitted to speak freely
at this particular function and heap scorn on each other without fearing
any consequence.
The minister said that this attack was carried out by a lawyer from
whom the ordinary masses of the country expects democratic values and
norms of justice to be upheld and it is a disgrace to the entire legal
profession. He emphasized the importance of bringing the culprit to book
forthwith. “Everyone has a right to give vent to their free expression
and that right has been ensured in the country.
“It is hilarious that Abeynayake was subjected to attack at the hands
of a lawyer who himself professes the protection of human rights in the
country, he said.
Hospital Director Dr. Sujatha Senarathne, member of the hospital
committee Dr. Shehan Aziz were also present.
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