US reiterates call for Sri Lanka to protect freedom of expression

The United States expressed concern about threats to freedom of expression in Sri Lanka and reiterates its call for Sri Lankan authorities to protect freedom of expression recently.

Responding to a media query on the Saturday’s arson attack on the office of the Sri Lankan Tamil daily Uthayan, the US State Department Acting Deputy Spokesperson Patrick Ventrell said the US condemns the attack against the newspaper.

“This incident is the latest in a series of attacks against this outlet and media organisations in general. And as we have said many times, we remain extremely concerned about threats to freedom of expression in Sri Lanka,” Ventrell said at the press briefing Monday.

Support for media freedom was one of the many recommendations of the LLRC (Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission) report and a component of the recent UNHCR resolution in Geneva, the spokesman noted.

“We urge the Sri Lankan authorities to protect freedom of expression, to conduct a credible investigation, and to hold perpetrators accountable,” he added. He said the issue has been raised from post with the US Embassy in Sri Lanka.