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Sri Lanka to lift social media ban – minister

A week after blocking social media websites and apps to prevent the spread of communal violence, the Sri Lankan government is planning to lift the ban.

The clash between Sinhalese Buddhists and Muslims in the central Kandy district, a popular tourist destination, was instigated by postings on Facebook threatening more attacks on Muslims. And, in view of this, the government declared a social media ban on March 7 for three days. But, Facebook and Whatsapp still remains blocked, indicating that the ban has been extended.

On arrival of the senior Facebook company officials in the country tomorrow, it is likely that the government will lift the ban, said Harin Fernando, Telecommunication minister.