The government stood firm last night in its efforts to go ahead with the takeover of 37 business ventures considered “underperforming enterprises” or having “underutilized assets” despite protests from the private sector and the main opposition United National Party.

More news websites were blocked yesterday as the Government said those carrying news relating to Sri Lanka should register with it – prompting strong protests by the main opposition United National Party. Following the ban on lankaenews website, the government yesterday blocked SriLankaguardian.com, paparaci.com, gossip9.com, srilankamirror.com and lankawaynews.com., which is the official website of the UNP.