Lanka blocks internet access in riot-hit areas

Sri Lanka today suspended internet services and blocked access to social networking websites and messaging platforms like Whatsapp in the riot-hit central district of Kandy after police warned that rioters were using them to spread hatred against the minority Muslims.
A nationwide state of emergency was declared by President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday after communal violence erupted two days ago in the Theldeniya area and spread to other areas of the central hill district that left two persons dead and damaged several mosques and homes.
Continued violence forced the authorities to impose an indefinite curfew in the district.
According to an official, Sri Lanka's Telecommunications and Regulatory Commission had asked the internet service providers to block access to Facebook and other social media platforms in Kandy.

The move also affected the internet users in other parts of the country.
A senior official, on the condition of anonymity, said that it was a "temporary measure" and soon all the restrictions would be removed.
"Access to certain social media sites and messaging platforms will be restricted with immediate effect until further notice," Sri Lanka's largest mobile phone provider Dialog said in a statement.