UNP politician lead mob surrounds MTV/MBC HQ

Soon after the vote on the No Confidence concluded, a bit after 10 p.m. on the 4th of April 2018, the MTV/MBC head office was mobbed. UNP Colombo Municipal Councilor Kithsiri Rajapaksa was seen directing the mob. Rajapaksa could be seen last night directing the members of the mob to place boxes of fire crackers on the doorsteps of the MTV/MBC HQ.While engaging in these acts, the mob also began threatening those inside the office complex and hurling insults. The group also blocked the main road opposite the office complex as they continued to behave in an unruly manner. The mob trapped the staff inside the office complex. Later, the Police arrived at the location and managed to move the mob away from the MTV/MBC HQ. As the group began to move away from the areas, our cameras captured the presence of Anura Liyanage, Deputy Chairman of the Kolonnawa UC. Later on Kithsiri Rajapaksa who was seen leading the mob, was also spotted at the Gangarama Temple alongside Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Our cameras also captured the number plates of some vehicles which were seen opposite the News 1st head office. INCIDENT CONDEMNED The Free Media Movement says last night's incident opposite the Head Office of the MTV/MBC Networks is an attack on the media. Condemning the incident, Convener of the Free Media Movement, C. Dodawatte said an investigation must be held into the unruly behaviour which was staged moments after the vote on the No Confidence Motion against the Prime Minister. He noted that the incident is one which could easily develop into a more serious issue and also described the incident as a breakdown in democracy. The world’s largest body of Public Media Broadcasters has also condemned the mob attack on the News 1st Head Office. Sally-Ann Wilson, CEO of the Public Media Alliance issued this statement in response to the mobbing of the News 1st head office last night. She noted that the “PMA is alarmed to discover that the headquarters of one of our long serving and internationally respected members, MTV in Sri Lanka, came under attack by a mob a few hours ago..” The statement further noted that the incident was “wholly unacceptable” and that the Public Media Alliance would be monitoring the developments closely.