Colombo: Sri Lanka blocked access to Facebook and WhatsApp on Monday after a post sparked riots across several towns.
Christian groups attacked Muslim-owned shops in the northwestern town of Chilaw, a Christian majority area on Sunday after a Muslim man’s post on FB.
“Don’t laugh more, 1 day u will cry” was posted on Facebook by a Muslim shopkeeper and local Christians took it to be a warning and went on a rampage. Curfew was clamped in the region after miscreants attacked Mosques and shops owned by Muslims.
Internet service providers said they have been instructed by the telecommunications regulator to block access to Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and other platforms.
Sri Lanka has under tension since the April 21 attacks by jihadist suicide bombers on three hotels and three churches, which left 258 dead.
