Police imposes curfew after Buddhist-Muslim clashes
authorities have imposed a curfew on two southern towns to quell clashes between a Buddhist group and Muslims.
The latest violence began after a Buddhist rally in Aluthgama.
Several people are reported to have been injured, shops burned and stones thrown at Buddhist marchers there.
The curfew was later extended to include mainly Muslim Beruwala. Muslims make up around 10% of Sri Lanka’s predominantly Buddhist population.
The clashes are said to have begun after the rally held by the BBS, the Bodu Bala Sena, or Buddhist Brigade.After its rally, the BBS marched into Muslim areas chanting anti-Muslim slogans, reports say, and the police used tear gas to quell the violence. Unconfirmed reports say security forces also used gunfire
The gathering came three days after a smaller clash between Muslim youths and a Buddhist monk’s driver.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has announced an investigation.
“The government will not allow anyone to take the law into their own hands. I urge all parties concerned to act in restraint,” he tweeted.
