The Sri Lankan authorities have blocked a few social media networks , including Facebook and WhatsApp, following attacks on Muslims and Muslim-owned businesses sparked by a Facebook post. This has been the worst unrest since Easter bombings by ISIS.
In what appears to be the online version of the physical curfew, social media access was halted in an attempt to prevent incitement of violence and hate speech.
Reports from the predominantly Buddhist country suggest that violence against Muslims was reported in various places. Several places of worship and homes belonging to Muslim community were damaged in an attack overnight in the western district of Kurunegala. Police however refused to put up the scale of the disturbances, with no figure on casualty or number of damaged properties being put forward.
In Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka Muslims make up around 10 percent of and Christians 7.6 percent.
Ever since the attacks Muslims community leaders have been complaining about harassments and threats that the community is receiving. A week ago, in a violent clash between Muslims and Christians in Negombo, killing more than 100 people during Easter prayers, after a traffic dispute.
Besides Facebook and twitter, apps like Viber, IMO, Snapchat, Instagram and Youtube have also been blocked. However, we were able to contact our correspondent in Colombo on whatsapp.
A state of emergency has been declared in the country since the attacks giving the security forces sweeping powers to detail and question anyone suspected to have links to terrorists.
