Lanka govt imposes nationwide curfew, blocks social media as communal violence spreads

The Sri Lankan government on Monday enforced a countrywide curfew and blocked social media platforms to stop people inciting violence as communal violence spread to new areas in the island nation in the worst unrest since Easter Sunday bombings which killed nearly 260 people.

Police also fired tear gas at mobs attacking mosques and shops owned by Muslims in various parts of the country.

"The curfew has been imposed from 9 p.m. tonight to 4 a.m. tomorrow," a police spokesperson said.

Army chief Mahesh Senanayake said the troops have been instructed to deal very strictly with those who defy the curfew.

The army will shoot on sight if anyone defy the order, he added.

Earlier in the day, the police reimposed a curfew, few hours after it was lifted, on four towns of Kuliyapitiya, Bingiriya, Dummalasuriya and Hettipola in the north western region till 4 a.m. tomorrow following a communal clash in the area. It was later extended to the entire North Western Province as violence spread to ...