Sri Lanka: Social media ban reimposed following Negombo clashes May 5

Event

Sri Lankan authorities have reimposed a social media ban in the country as of late (local time) on Sunday, May 5, following intercommunal clashes reported between residents in Negombo. A curfew has also been imposed in Negombo until 07:00 on Monday, May 6. The clashes notably come after the city was targeted in the Easter Sunday (April 21) bombings, which killed over 250 people.

Transportation and business disruptions are to be expected in Negombo over the coming hours. Social media and other telecommunications disruptions are also to be anticipated across Sri Lanka over the coming hours.

Context

A series of coordinated bombings struck Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday (April 21), killing at least 253 people, including 40 foreign nationals, and wounding approximately 500 others. Churches and prominent hotels in Colombo, Negombo, and Batticaloa were targeted in the attacks. Authorities blamed a local Islamist group, National Thowheeth Jama'ath, for the attacks, claiming that the group planned the bombings with assistance from an international terrorist organization. The Islamic State (IS) later claimed responsibility for the attack via its media arm on April 23.

Advice

Individuals in Sri Lanka are advised to monitor developments to the situation, prepare for associated disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.