While Minister Mervyn Silva and his bodyguard "Kudu Nuwan" who assaulted Rupavihini News Director T.M.Chandrasekera are being protected by President Mahinda Rajapakse,a group of thugs have assaulted the institution's News Producer Hemantha Mawallage who dared to criticise the attack on his colleague,Gampaha District UNP MP Jayalath Jayawardena said on Tuesday.

He,told a news conference in Colombo that Mawallage was lying at the National Hospital in a serious condition after being assaulted and stabbed for exercising his democratic right to freedom of speech.

"It is in this environment that the government has the audacity to invite us to participate in its independence day celebrations.How can we celebrate freedom when democratic rights are being stifled with impunity?"

The attack on Mawallage proves that there is no freedom in this country.Those who speak out against the wrongs and injustices committed by the government are killed or end up with broken limbs and bones,Jayawardena said.

"The Pesident has lost control of not only his cabinet of ministers but the law and order situation in the entire country."

Urging the media not to be intimidated by government goons,Jayawardena said that the UNP will continue to agitate for the restoration of media freedom.

"Do not forget that the draconian criminal defamantion law was repealed during our rule.The UNP does not believe in empty slogans.We always deliver on our promises."