ANTI-MUSLIM RIOTS

SL situation ‘under control’

Sri Lankan authorities said yesterday they had the situation “under control” after mosques and Muslim-owned shops and businesses were targetted in a violent backlash after the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

A second overnight curfew imposed nationwide ensured there was no repeat of Monday’s violence against the Muslim minority, who make up some 10 percent of Sri Lanka’s population of 21 million.

Many Muslims have been bracing for revenge attacks since three churches and three luxury hotels were bombed by local Islamist extremists on April 21, killing 258 people,

“The situation is now totally under control,” said Military spokesman Sumith Atapattu. “There were no incidents of violence overnight and we are arresting groups of people responsible for taking part in mob attacks.”

Ruwan Gunasekera, a police spokesman, said that more than 80 people were in custody as of Tuesday evening.

 

ANTI-MUSLIM RIOTS

SL situation under control

Sri Lankan authorities said yesterday they had the situation under control after mosques and Muslim-owned shops and businesses were targetted in a violent backlash after the Easter Sunday terror attacks. A second overnight curfew imposed nationwide ensured there was no repeat of Mondays violence against the Muslim minority, who make up some 10 percent of Sri Lankas population of 21 million. Many Muslims have been bracing for revenge attacks since three churches and three luxury hotels were bombed by local Islamist extremists on April 21, killing 258 people, The situation is now totally under control, said Military spokesman Sumith Atapattu. There were no incidents of violence overnight and we are arresting groups of people responsible for taking part in mob attacks. Ruwan Gunasekera, a police spokesman, said that more than 80 people were in custody as of Tuesday evening.