U.S. Concerned Over Moves to Stifle Free Expression

November 29, 2012

• Read this press release in Sinhala (pdf, 60 kb)
• Read this press release in Tamil (pdf, 40 kb)

The United States Embassy in Colombo is concerned about recent threats to freedom of expression in Sri Lanka.  The November 28 beating of a reporter in Jaffna, harassment by Government of Sri Lanka officials of independent media outlets, and searches without warrants of journalists all serve to stifle media freedom.  Additionally, the Embassy is greatly concerned about reports of attacks on students in Jaffna.  We call upon authorities to exercise restraint and respect peaceful demonstrations.