EU concerned over Sri Lanka net censorship

Lanka Business Online
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The European Union has expressed concern over the blocking of several dissident websites in Sri Lanka, which the island's information ministry said was damaging image of politicians and senior state officials.

"The EU considers that freedom of press forms an integral part of any democratic system," European Union heads of mission said in a statement.

"The EU therefore believes that the media should be allowed to operate independently.

"The EU also believes that citizens have the right to access all information provided by the media and to make their own judgements and to formulate opinions independently.

"The EU Heads of Mission call on the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure that the rights of the free media are respected."

Sri Lanka's information ministry said several news websites were damaging the image of the country, head of state, minister and senior state officials. The ministry also wanted all websites carrying information about Sri Lanka to register with it.

The United States earlier expressed concern over the blocking of Lankaenews.com

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