Sri Lanka imposed curfews and banned rallies today in the east of the island to prevent further clashes between minority Tamils and Muslims after five people were killed in overnight mob violence.
A government statement said police and troops would strictly enforce a 24-hour curfew imposed in Kalkudah in the district of Batticaloa.
However, Muslim devotees were being allowed to attend today prayers, officials said.
Police fired tear-gas and called in the army yesterday after clashes between Muslims and Tamils. Religious leaders in the area have formed a committee to try to restore order, officials said.
The clashes were unrelated to the ongoing truce between government forces and Tamil Tiger guerrillas, which has been in force since February 23rd ahead of formal peace talks.
AFP