Police warned to be more serious in investigating an incident 'witnessed by the whole country'

Chief Magistrate in Colombo, Mackie Mohamed, warned the police to be more serious in their approach while investigating an incident that was "witnessed by the whole country".

Labour minister Dr. Mervyn Silva and his aides are accused of assaulting the news director of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) at the SLRC premises.

Derogatory remarks

The minister was angry that the SLRC did not telecast his indecent remarks at a rally in Matara, in which President Mahinda Rajapaksa was also present.

Demanding an apology, the SLRC workers have taken the controversial minister hostage for nearly three hours after the alleged assault.

Minister Dr. Mervyn Silva was assaulted after he and his supporters are accused of assaulting SLRC staff

Minister Silva, who is accused of abusing and threatening journalists in the past, was assaulted by angry workers as he left the SLRC premises escorted by army commandos.

The SLRC has telecast the whole episode live but journalists say the tape was removed from later news bulletins by the authorities.

Live telecast

Police informed the court that Udaya Nuvan Gunathilake, a suspect arrested on the incident, has been admitted to the hospital.

Questioning as to why only one individual was arrested after such a serious incident, the magistrate said the judiciary could not accept police reports on the incident.

The minister was angry that his indecent remarks in a rally in Matara was not made public by the SLRC

Public will throw stones at judiciary if police reports are accepted, judge Mackie Mohamed told the open court.

The judiciary ordered the police to arrest all suspects and postponed the hearing till 11 January.

Suspect Udaya Nuvan Gunathilake was also remanded in custody until 11 January.