"For the people to exercise their sovereignty wisely, they must have correct and complete information. Journalists and the media outlets they work for play the most important role in providing that information.
"This work is often difficult, dangerous, and underpaid. The U.S. Embassy Colombo joins the global community in paying solemn tribute to journalists who have lost their lives while practicing their craft."
The US embassy said it will be screening a series of films in Colombo, such as including Network, Citizen Kane, All the President’s Men, and Being There which examine the role of and threats to journalism in contemporary society.
Rights watchdogs have named Sri Lanka as one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists to work, after Iraq and Somalia.