18.3.2008
Fruitful discussions between President
Mahinda Rajapaksa and trade unions of the State Rupavahini
Corporation (SLRC) yesterday (17th) resulted in averting
disruptive strike action.
During
the meeting held yesterday between the President and the
SLRC employees, President pointed out that police inquiries
would determine whether Minister Mervyn Silva was involved
or not in the spate of attacks on Rupavahini employees
and everyone should ensure that no violence be used on
any media personnel again. IGP Victor Perera confirmed
that full investigations into the attacks are being conducted.
Attending
the meeting, Minister of Mass Media and Information, Anura
Priyadarshana Yapa commenting on the incidents that took
place earlier during the day stated that the armed forces
were called to prevent a plan to disrupt work at SLRC.
The
military was placed on standby to operate the Sri Lanka
Rupavahini Corporation transmissions in view of the possibility
of sabotage, after the Media Ministry ordered the lockout
of hundreds of its employees except for those required
for essential transmitting operations
In
the course of the discussion the President summoned Minister
Mervyn Silva and inquired about the series of incidents.
The minister denied involvement.
The
President and other government officials who attended
the meeting at Temple Trees last evening, including Media
Minister, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Defence Secretary
Gotabhaya Rajapaksae and IGP, Victor Perera gave a firm
assurance over the security of the staff resulting in
the unions agreeing to ensure the smooth functioning of
the station.
Meanwhile,
Minister of Power and Energy W. D. J. Seneviratne, a member
of the SLFP committee appointed to inquire into the matter
has stated that the three-member committee was still sitting
and its report would be given to President Mahinda Rajapksa
soon.
Courtesy
- Government Information