US concerned over blocking of news sites

US concerned over blocking of news sites 
Wednesday, 02 November 2011 08:38 The US government expressed concern over the blocking of anti-government websites in Sri Lanka. 

The US Embassy in Colombo called on Sri Lankan authorities and the 
managements of Sri Lankan telecommunications firms to stop activities 
aimed at blocking free access in Sri Lanka to all legitimate media 
websites.

The statement came after the anti-government Lanka-e-News website was blocked.

"While the embassy does not endorse the views of any particular media 
outlet, the United States believes that a free and independent media is 
vital to ensuring the health and continuation of any democracy," the 
embassy said.

"Freedom of expression, including unfettered access to Internet news 
websites, is a basic right which must be respected," the statement 
added.
The Tamilnet website, which was previously a pro-Tamil rebel website, has been blocked for the past two and half years. (Souce:Gulf-Times)
Best Regards,

S.A.Wanniarachchi