ITN protest intensifies : One employee in hospital

COLOMBO (News 1st): A heated situation arose at the Independent Television Network premises today (January 7) amidst the protest staged by its employees. The situation escalated when a group of protesting employees obstructed two of ITN's Deputy General Managers from entering the premises. The two DGM's managed to enter the premises with the help of the Police and Anti Riot Squad. An employee was hospitalized after sustaining injuries following the incident. It is reported that the chairman of ITN was inside the premises while the protest was carried out. The protest continued while the Chairman and the Deputy General Managers remained inside the premises. ITN employees began their protest one week ago, alleging that money from one of ITN's fixed deposits had been misappropriated. The protestors also voiced their strong opposition on the suspension of 13 employees by the ITN management. According to our correspondent, the protestors blocked the main entrance while the suspended employees voiced their opposition from outside the entrance. At around 11.30 am, the Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando arrived at the network premises, and remained there for about 40 minutes, engaging in a discussion with the protestors. "The Defense Secretary came and spoke to us directly. He said that a special representative will come tomorrow to give a solution to this crisis." - Chandana Deshapriya Even after the Defense Secretary left the premises, the protest continued -forcing the Chairman and Deputy General Managers to leave the premises. A protestor, Dasun Wasantha, questioned; "Why do they bring back these five Deputy General Managers who alleged the female employees of being sex slaves? Why do they bring back these unqualified people over 60 years of age as DGs?" According to Dasun, the five DGMs are responsible for the misappropriation of Rs. 680 million from the company. "Why can't the Chairman understand this? Is she also part of it?" he questioned.