Government will take stern action against responsible groups on SLRC attacks

After recent attacks on SLRC workers the government said it has decided to punish offenders who attack SLRC workers.
Issuing a release Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said the Government is determined to punish those responsible for the attacks on several employees of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, disregarding their ranks.
The Minister adds several police teams have been deployed to apprehend the suspects.
He further says special security precautions have been taken to protect employees and properties from possible sabotage.
The minister has stressed that no room will be left to disrupt the activities of the corporation in the face of threats by a certain group of workers to engage in a continuous strike. At present the SLRC complex is under armed services and the Police blocked main gate of the SLRC and the SLBC . According to reports the military are currently at the Rupavahini premises ready to take over the transmission of the channel if the employees decide to strike work today. Sources claim that they are currently being trained to carry out the station duties.However our sources said the SLRC staff not in a position to telecast live programmes due to this unrest.
Yesterday, the trade union coalition of SLRC decided to walk away and the All Lanka Trade Union Federation decided to launch an island wide strike since Monday if the problem is not solved. Here are the five major demands of the SLRC trade unions: 1 An assurance from the President and the government on the safety of the lives of the SLRC workers.2 Suspension of the portfolio of Minister Mervin Silva who trespassed into the SLRC premises with a gang of goons and assaulted the SLRC News Director. Initiating legal action against him.3 Arresting the goons that trespassed the SLRC premises on the day the incident took place and the thugs who assaulted the SLRC workers. Initiating legal action against them. 4 Compensating the SLRC workers who were attacked by the hooligans. 5 Stopping all repressive measures against the trade unions based on this incident.