The social media block, which came into effect following instructions from the Defense Ministry, is temporary and imposed in the interest of the country, authorities said.
The restrictions come after the government implemented a nationwide curfew on Saturday. (AP)
Sri Lanka has restricted access to major social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter, as the government seeks to tackle growing unrest amid an unprecedented economic crisis.
Internet monitoring organization NetBlocks announced the block in a tweet on Sunday.
“Real-time network data shows that Sri Lanka has imposed a nationwide social media shutdown, restricting access to platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube and Instagram amidst the emergency. declared amid widespread protests,” he said.
A senior police officer based in the commercial capital Colombo confirmed the restrictions on social media platforms.
“Social media has also been blocked by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission,” Chief Superintendent of Police Nihal Thalduwa told Reuters.
The restrictions come after the government imposed a nationwide curfew on Saturday as protests over the government’s handling of the economic crisis turned violent.
The curfew will last until 06:00 (00:30 GMT) Monday.
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Sri Lanka declares 36-hour curfew to curb protests amid spiraling crisis
‘Special Instructions’
Thalduwa said 664 people who broke curfew rules were arrested by police in Western Province, the country’s most populous administrative division, which includes Colombo.
Authorities have imposed restrictions on social media following government orders.
“The blocking of social networks is temporary and imposed due to special instructions given by the Ministry of Defense. It was imposed in the interest of the country and the people to maintain calm,” the official told Reuters. President of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, Jayantha de Silva.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency on Friday, raising fears of a crackdown on protests as the country experiences inflation, shortages of essentials and power cuts.
Emergency powers in the past have allowed the military to arrest and detain suspects without a warrant, but the terms of the current powers are still unclear.
READ MORE: Businesses open in Colombo, Sri Lanka amid heightened security after protests
Source: Reuters
