The Indian Ocean island nation has witnessed anti-Muslim riots in Kandy, in which several homes, businesses and mosques were damaged during three days of violence. The violence erupted after the death of a man from the mainly Buddhist Sinhalese majority last week.
To rein in communal violence, a state of emergency has been imposed by the President Maithripala Sirisena government. Internet access was also restricted in Kandy and social media websites including Facebook and instant messaging app Whatsapp blocked.
"The United States values freedom of expression and access to information as a key component of democratic governance," the spokesperson said while responding to a question on blocking of social media sites and imposition of emergency in Sri Lanka.
Earlier, the US Embassy in Colombo said it is important that the Government of Sri Lanka act quickly against perpetrators of sectarian violence, protect religious minorities and their places of worship, and conclude the State of Emergency swiftly, while protecting human rights and basic freedoms for all.