Twitter also blocked: TRCSL

Twitter was among other social media platforms which were blocked to stop the spread of rumours and false stories following the violence that erupted in the North-Western Province, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) said.

Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube and Instagram have been blocked since Monday (13) to stop the spread of rumours and false stories.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, TRCSL Director General Shamal Jayatilake said the decision was taken as requested by the Defence Ministry.

"Blocking the social media will help prevent transmitting fake news or rumours that instill fear psychosis or threat to communal harmony." "During earlier tense situations, Twitter had not being blocked, but it had to be blocked for the vast spreading of fake news or rumours," he said. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)