Violence continued in some areas of Kandy district in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, violence continued in some areas of Kandy district even as government promulgated emergency for one week to prevent spreading of violence to other areas. 

Several mosques were damaged and at least three police personnel were injured last night when unruly crowd defied curfew to attack minority establishments in Kandy district. The government had to rush extra army columns in the area to control the situation. 

President Maithripala Sirisena imposed emergency yesterday under the Public Security Act to reestablish secure atmosphere, restore normalcy in public activities and maintain peace. 

President instructed the police and security forces to deal quickly and impartially against any person who attempts to cause criminal acts or infuse religious unrest while causing least inconvenience to general public. 

Cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said the



government has decided to take stern action against people who are instigating violence through social media. 

Curfew continues in parts of Kandy district as schools and educational establishments remain closed for today. This is the second such incident over past couple of weeks after Ampara in eastern province witnessed similar attacks late last month.

Violence continued for the third day in Kandy district even as curfew was imposed and security strengthened in the area. Reports of violence last night are yet to come in but police had to fire at few places to control the mob. 

The government has promulgated emergency to bring the situation under control but whether it has the willpower to take the headliners among majority Buddhist community, head on, is still not clear. Kandy is a popular tourist place and few countries including USA have issued travel advisories to its citizens.