COLOMBO: An investigation into anti-Muslim riots that spread in central Sri Lanka prompting the authorities to declare a nationwide state of emergency was announced Saturday by President Maithripala Sirisena. A panel of three retired judges will probe the breakdown in law and order in the picturesque hill resort of Kandy, Sirisena’s office said in a statement. Sri Lanka’s Muslim minority held their Friday prayers under military protection across the island amid fears of fresh attacks. Sri Lankan police security personnel is in conversation with Muslims after their Friday prayers opposite Maradana Mosque in Colombo, Sri Lanka, social networks across Sri Lanka were blocked by the government while around 5,000 troops were deployed in the effected central region. Sporadic incidents of violence between minority Muslims - mainly Sri Lanka Moors and the majority Sinhalese Buddhists were reported in several parts despite a state of emergency being declared.

Source: New Strait Times March 10, 2018 05:15 UTC