Curfew imposed in Chilaw

• Tense situation reported after social media post circulated, one person arrested

Curfew was imposed in Chilaw yesterday and Police arrested one person after a tense situation was reported.

Police said curfew would be lifted at 4 a.m. today. A large crowd had gathered in the town following the circulation of a social media post that an attack was being planned. Shops were shut and Police called in as dozens of people from nearly towns had also flocked to the area. The person who posted the social media message was subsequently arrested, according to reports from the area.

Police said calm was being restored.

The previous Sunday clashes erupted in Negombo with several Muslim shops and houses being looted. Police imposed curfew and the Government subsequently pledged compensation to those affected.