The United States expressed concern over the prevalent threat to freedom of expression in Sri Lanka, adding to the mounting calls for Sri Lankan authorities to protect freedom of expression.
Responding to a media query on the recent attack on a Tamil daily Paper, Uthayan, the U.S State Department Acting Deputy Spokesperson, Patrick Ventrell, outlined the U.S condemnation of the attack.
" 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," he said at a press briefing.
Drawing upon the recently passed United Nations Human Rights Council resolution on accountability, justice and reconciliation, in Sri Lanka, he said,
"We urge Sri Lankan authorities to protect freedom of expression, to conduct a credibly investigation, and to hold perpetrators accountable."