Stating that it remain extremely concerned about threats to freedom of expression in Sri Lanka, the United States on Monday called on the Sri Lankan government to conduct a credible investigation into the attacks on ‘Uthayan’ newspaper.

“We condemn the reported attack against the Uthayan newspaper in Sri Lanka. This incident is the latest in a series of attacks against this outlet and media organizations in general. And as we have said many times, we remain extremely concerned about threats to freedom of expression in Sri Lanka,” Acting Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department Patrick Ventrell said.

“We urge the Sri Lankan authorities to protect freedom of expression, to conduct a credible investigation, and to hold perpetrators accountable. Support for media freedom was one of the many recommendations of the LLRC report and a component of the recent UNHCR resolution in Geneva,” he also said during the daily press briefing.

He also said that the US embassy in Colombo has raised the with the Sri Lankan government.