Mass protest at funeral of slain Sri Lanka editor

By Ranga Sirilal

COLOMBO, Jan 12 (Reuters) -- Thousands marched in the funeral procession of a slain Sri Lankan newspaper editor in the capital Colombo on Monday, demanding the government punish those responsible to ensure media freedom and democracy.

A packed crowd gathered at the entrance of Sri Lanka's main cemetery in one of the largest protests in recent memory, blocking roads and vowing to fight until democracy was restored.

Sunday Leader Chief Editor Lasantha Wickramatunga was gunned down in traffic on Thursday morning and died in hospital soon afterwards. The government promised a thorough investigation.

The United States, the European Union, Canada and India have all condemned the killing and demanded a swift investigation.

Diplomats, opposition politicians, journalists and rights activists all marched in the hours-long procession.

"This death is a serious blow to democracy and media freedom," opposition leader Ranil Wickremasinghe said.

Many mourners carried placards reading "End Tyranny, Defend Democracy!" or "Defend Democracy, Defend Dissent".

The opposition, which is anticipating a possible early election, has accused the government of responsibility for the attack. Some protesters burned an effigy of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and many wore black armbands.