Sri Lanka media minister bats for attacked journo

June 2, 2007 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's media minister has condemned the attack on a photo journalist of a Sri Lankan daily and has asked security forces to respect the accreditation issued by his ministry, the Department of Government Information (DGI) said. The DGI which accredits journalists, quoting Mass Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana says that the government condemns the attack on the ˜Lakbima’ newspaper staff photo journalist Sajeeva Chinthaka Kahadagamage.

The department says the minister has asked relevant authorities to take necessary action against those security personnel who were involved in the attack.

"He added that since the Department of Government Information is issuing these media accreditation card with the due responsibility, it is necessary to refer to the Director of Government Information during any case of suspicion," the department said.

"Hence, attacking the journalist without clarifying the issue referring to the relevant authorities is unacceptable."

Minister Abeywardana had said that the DGI issues media accreditation cards for the journalists to carry out their duties without let or hindrance.

There have been earlier reports as well that a very few of the security forces personnel have bee