The Ministry of Foreign Affairs which is closely monitoring the situation in Myanmar following a military coup said that the embassy in Yangon was in touch with Sri Lankans and were ready to assist.
“The Sri Lanka Embassy in Yangon has informed us that they are in continuous touch with the Sri Lankans in Myanmar and is ready to assist any Sri Lankan who is in need of support. So far there have been no reported cases of violence or riots in the country,” Foreign Ministry sources said.
Reports posted online yesterday claimed that Sri Lankans in Myanmar were uncontactable following the coup.
Myanmar’s powerful military yesterday seized control of the country in a coup and declared a state of emergency, following the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior government leaders in early morning raids.
The country woke up to widespread internet and communications blackouts, closed banks, and soldiers in army fatigues patrolling the streets of Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon.
Residents turning on their television sets could only access the military-owned Myawaddy TV channel, with all other news channels seemingly blocked. It was announced on the military-owned channel that power had been handed over to Army Chief Min Aung Hlaing.