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Gunmen on a motorcycle Thursday shot and killed the editor of a Sri Lankan newspaper critical of the government, the second violent attack on media this week.

Media rights groups have accused the government and its supporters of trying to stifle dissent in the war-wracked country by vilifying journalists seen as critical and creating an atmosphere of impunity for those who attack them.

One of the most outspoken voices belonged to Lasantha Wickramatunga, whose Sunday Leader newspaper has accused President Mahinda Rajapaksa's government of corruption

As Wickramatunga drove to work during Thursday's morning rush hour outside the capital, Colombo, two gunmen rode up and opened fire, police spokesman Ranjith Gunasekara said