Social media platforms including Facebook and phone messaging applications such as WhatsApp had been blocked as requested by the Defence Ministry to prevent transmitting fake news or rumours that instill a fear psychosis or a threat to communal harmony,the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) said.

The Media Unit of the TRCSL told Daily Mirror that users across the country would experience a drastic drop in speed or interruptions when accessing the internet. (Thilanka Kanakartahna)