The United States is criticizing Sri Lankan moves to impeach its chief justice and recent threats to members of the judiciary.
The State Department said Friday it was concerned by the actions against Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake.
The Sri Lankan government accuses her of overstepping her authority and says it has enough support from lawmakers for impeachment.
The State Department also criticized an assault last month on a judge who had publicly criticized government pressure on members of the judiciary.
Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland urged Sri Lanka to avoid any action that would impede the efficacy and independence of the judiciary.
Rights groups have accused President Mahinda Rajapaksa of tightening control over the media, police and election officials, as well as carrying out political vendettas against opposition parties.
