Colombo: Island nation Sri Lanka blocked access to social media platforms, independent monitor Netblocks confirmed on Sunday.  The social media blackout -- hitting Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and others -- comes after a curfew was imposed to contain escalating protests over Sri Lanka's economic crisis.

Social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Viber and YouTube in Sri Lanka are blocked after midnight on Sunday 3 April 2022 local time. 

Confirmed: Real-time network data show Sri Lanka has imposed a nationwide social media blackout, restricting access to platforms including Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Instagram as emergency is declared amid widespread protests.

Report: https://t.co/XGvXEFIqom pic.twitter.com/KEpzYfGKjV

— NetBlocks (@netblocks) April 2, 2022

The social media blockage comes following the widespread protests taking place across Sri Lanka due to the country facing severe economic crises, the government has declared a state of emergency in the country. The order gives free hands to security forces to impose the order strictly.

Justifying his stand, Rajapaksa said that the decision has been taken to "protect the public order and to maintain uninterrupted supply for the community". 

The nation of 22 million is facing severe shortages of essentials, sharp price rises and crippling power cuts in its most painful downturn since independence from Britain in 1948.

With the protests spiralling, the police clamped night curfew in the Western Province, which includes the capital, Colombo.

Minister of Public Security, Rear Admiral (Rtd.) Dr. Sarath Weerasekara has warned stern action against violence. 
He said that Police will seek strict legal action against people who damage public property under the pretext of mass protests. 

Addressing a media briefing held at the Government Information Department on Saturday the minister said the police have been given necessary directives to identify the saboteurs among peaceful protesters.