Minister Silva was assaulted by SLRC workers after their coleague was assaulted

Criminal Investigation Division (CID) told judiciary that they have launched new probes on assaulting minister Mervyn Silva and breach of security at Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC).

The CID made the comments on Friday as the alleged assault on SLRC news director, TMG Chandrasekara, was taken for hearing at Colombo magistrate court.

Indecent remarks

Mr. Chandrasekara was allegedly assaulted by Minister Silva's henchmen who stormed the SLRC to question the state-owned institution's decision not to report Minister's indecent remarks at a rally on the previous day.

	Journalist Mawalage was stabbed while he was driving home after work

Minister Mervyn Silva has made indecent remarks on former minister Mangala Samaraweera and Bandaranaike family at a rally in Matara in which President Mahinda Rajapaksa was the chief guest.

Angry SLRC workers have assaulted the minister who is constantly accused of threatening and assaulting journalists.

A leading SLRC journalist, Lal Mawalage, was stabbed within days of the incident as he was driving home after work. Many SLRC workers said they feared for their lives.

Media organisations concerned

Five media organisations in Sri Lanka earleir accused the authorities of trying to punish the journalists instead of punishing those stormed the SLRC.

A counsel appearing for the suspect, known as Kudu Nuvan, informed the court on Friday that no arrests were made for assaulting the minister at the SLRC.

Responding, the CID said the investigations are continuing as new probes launched and they are seeking advise of the Attorney General.

Colombo chief magistrate, Nishantha Hapuarachchi, ordered the police to complete investigations by 27 June and provide a report to the court on the progress.