Newspapers in Sri Lanka have been published with blank spaces instead of their usual reports on the conflict between the security forces and Tamil separatists.

The privately-owned Sunday Times said its weekly update had been cut by the newly appointed chief censor, Major General Jaliya Nammuni.

Private radio and television stations said they had similar problems.

Censorship was imposed on Friday.

Foreign journalists have urged the government to reconsider the move and opposition parties have appealed to the authorities to keep their promise of a free press.