The Siyatha radio and TV stations located at Hunupitiya Colombo 2 came under a mob attack this morning with all their studios and equipment damaged, an employee of the station said.
Either a hand grenade or a petrol bomb had been thrown setting the station on fire, after petrol had been poured into the studios.
At least 12 to 13 persons with their faces covered had come around 1.30 a.m and threatened the security. They had wanted to find the location of the news stuidos.
The Siyatha FM, Siyatha TV,Real Radio and Vetri FM operate from the same location which came under attack.
Two employees in the station were injured.
Police had arrived in the scene some 45 minutes later after the incident while the fire brigade had made an attempt to control the fire, but all studios have been badly damaged.
An officer at the Slave Island police station said they had been informed of an arson attack and sent one of their teams, but no arrests have been made.
The Asia Network (Pvt) Ltd which operated the Siyatha TV and radio was set up by Roshantha Kariyapperuam, a close associate of the government, but later after a fall out with the government he disassociated himself.
The Siyatha newspaper closed down later.
Courtesy: Sunday Times Online
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