The US has called on Sri Lanka to end media harassment, after police shut down opposition websites on Friday.
In a press release, issued on Saturday, the US Embassy in Colombo said it is following the case closely.
“We have raised on several occasions our deep concern over efforts to suppress independent news media, including the blocking of news websites, intimidation, and disappearances of journalists.
“The United States believes that an uncensored and independent media available to all citizens is an indispensable part of any vibrant democracy and we call for an end to the harassment of these and all other journalists.”
Nine employees of the websites were released on bail on Saturday, after being arrested during the raid on suspicion of conspiring against the government.
