A group of medical students yesterday attacked Lankadeepa photojournalist Janaka Galapaththi, who had entered the premises of the Bloemfontein men’s hostel of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.

Undergraduates also chased and assaulted a Sirasa photojournalist who had entered the premises after being alerted by the Lankadeepa photojournalist. The Sirasa employee has been admitted to the National Hospital.

Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene condemned yesterday’s attack. He said the IGP had been directed to investigate and take action. Media organisations severely criticised the medical students, demanding immediate action against the culprits.

The charge was denied by Kasun Weerakkody, President of the Medical Faculty Students’ Union. He told The Island that undergraduates intervened as the photographer had declined to establish his identity.

He said the photographer had entered the premises without approval from the Medical Faculty, Students’ Union or the Warden and declined to reveal his identity when the sub warden confronted him.

The Students’ Union emphasized that journalists could not enter universities without permission. "We are ready cooperate with police investigators," the spokesman said, asserting the incident could have been easily avoided had the journalist promptly established his identity.

Ms. W. H. R. Hussein, the Registrar of the University said that journalists had entered the premises without obtaining permission. Had they sought permission, this could have been easily avoided, she said.