The government reiterated yesterday that the instability and unrest in Kandy caused by a wave of communal clashes over the last three days have diminished due to a strong presence of the Security Forces, a curfew which has been re-instated for the next 24 hours and emergency rule.
Speaking to the media in a hurried press conference, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Kapila Waidyaratne told the press that the situation had normalised but the government was not taking its chances.
“We have brought into force an emergency rule which unlike the previous times has new inclusions which we believe will assist the security forces and police to arrest the situation,” he said. Meanwhile, Secretary to the President Austin Fernando who chaired the press briefing said that the government was acting on the findings of investigations and intelligence to ensure that the crisis does not spiral out of control. As part of these measures, the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has requested all telecom operators to curtail the transmission of data, limiting connectivity on social media platforms such as Facebook, Whatsapp to name a few.
“We have come across evidence of fake news, images that criminalize innocent individuals and content that harm the effort the government is making to ensure that these communities peacefully coexist. It is with this rationale and evidence that the operators will be limiting the transmission of data temporarily,” he said.
“The public can see for themselves, the type of content that is widely shared and the effect it has on the current situation.”
He added that the unrest had become more precarious over the last three days due to widespread ‘fake’ news that has been circulated on social media platforms, prompting fear mongering and further instability which could potentially spread to other parts of the country. Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ravindra Chandrasiri Wijegunaratne said that the situation was limited to Kandy and that the Security Forces have been adequately equipped by law to take necessary action against unruly elements. While refraining from commenting on the number of security personnel who are deployed in various places, he added that every effort is taken to ensure the safety and security of all communities.