The country's state of emergency won't be stretched past this week, said&nbsp;President Ranil Wickremesinghe's media office on Thursday, as protests in Sri Lanka about the plight of the country's economy and its destruction begin to fade.

According to his office, the president reportedly announced that the emergency would end this week at a gathering in the capital city of Colombo.

Watch |&nbsp;Chinese ship docks at Sri Lanka's Hambantota port

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-ship-docks-at-sri-lankas-hambantota-port-507538/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Reuters reports that the emergency was declared by Wickremesinghe on July 18 when he was serving as acting president after tens of thousands of citizens surged into government buildings in search of answers to the nation's greatest economic crisis in more than seven decades.

As per AFP, Wickremesinghe's declared emergency is set to expire on Thursday, but he has the authority to extend it each subsequent month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-on-the-run-rajapaksa-exits-singapore-for-thailand-505915" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka president on the run: Rajapaksa exits Singapore for Thailand</a>

However, as per his office, he believes that "the situation in the country has stabilised, there is no need to reimpose the state of emergency when it lapses this week."

The emergency regulations provide troops and law enforcement with the power to detain suspects for extended periods of time.

After his predecessor, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, fled a popular uprising over months of severe shortages of fuel, food, and medication, Wickremesinghe—who had served as Sri Lanka's prime minister for six terms—was elected president on July 20 by parliamentarians.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-govt-asks-thailand-to-grant-entry-to-gotabaya-rajapaksa-505609" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka govt asks Thailand to grant entry to Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a>

The nation's sovereign debt has already fallen into default.

After the nation missed interest payments due on June 3, June 28, and July 18, as well as a principle payment due on July 25, S&amp;P Global lowered its rating on Sri Lankan bonds to 'D,' which stands for default.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The country's state of emergency won't be stretched past this week, said President Ranil Wickremesinghe's media office on Thursday, as protests in Sri Lanka about the plight of the country's economy and its destruction begin to fade.

The country's state of emergency won't be stretched past this week, said President Ranil Wickremesinghe's media office on Thursday, as protests in Sri Lanka about the plight of the country's economy and its destruction begin to fade. According to his office, the president reportedly announced that the emergency would end this week at a gathering in the capital city of Colombo. Watch | Chinese ship docks at Sri Lanka's Hambantota port Reuters reports that the emergency was declared by Wickremesinghe on July 18 when he was serving as acting president after tens of thousands of citizens surged into government buildings in search of answers to the nation's greatest economic crisis in more than seven decades. As per AFP, Wickremesinghe's declared emergency is set to expire on Thursday, but he has the authority to extend it each subsequent month. Also read | Sri Lanka president on the run: Rajapaksa exits Singapore for Thailand However, as per his office, he believes that "the situation in the country has stabilised, there is no need to reimpose the state of emergency when it lapses this week." The emergency regulations provide troops and law enforcement with the power to detain suspects for extended periods of time. After his predecessor, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, fled a popular uprising over months of severe shortages of fuel, food, and medication, Wickremesinghe—who had served as Sri Lanka's prime minister for six terms—was elected president on July 20 by parliamentarians. Also read | Sri Lanka govt asks Thailand to grant entry to Gotabaya Rajapaksa The nation's sovereign debt has already fallen into default. After the nation missed interest payments due on June 3, June 28, and July 18, as well as a principle payment due on July 25, S&P Global lowered its rating on Sri Lankan bonds to 'D,' which stands for default. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Situation in Sri Lanka 'stabilised', no need to extend emergency: President Wickremesinghe

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency in Sri Lanka for the second time since April. The Lankan government issued a statement justifying the move as President Rajapaksa faced immense criticism from the Opposition and Foreign envoys for his decision.

Sri Lanka Crisis : Western Diplomats urge Sri Lanka to repeal state of emergency

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency in Sri Lanka for the second time since April. The Lankan government justified the move by saying that it was very much required to tackle the worsening economic meltdown. However, Lankans defy emergency to hold protests in Colombo.

Sri Lanka Crisis: Government defends imposition of emergency amid flak from Opposition

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency in Sri Lanka for the second time since April. The Lankan government issued a statement justifying the move as President Rajapaksa faced immense criticism for his decision. However, Lankans defy emergency to hold protests in Colombo.

Sri Lanka Political Crisis: Sri Lankans defy emergency, stage protests in Colombo

Expressing 'grave concern' about the state of emergency, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka has called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to repeal it.

"We call upon His Excellency to revoke the proclamation declaring a state of emergency and to ensure that the fundamental rights of the people... are respected and protected," the BASL said in a statement.

Following an escalation in&nbsp;anti-government protests with demonstrators attempting to storm Sri Lanka's parliament, the president declared a state of emergency.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-economic-crisis-protestors-in-sri-lanka-demand-presidents-resignation-477026/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to a statement released by his office, "The President has taken this decision due to the public emergency situation in Sri Lanka and in the interests of public security, the protection of public order, and the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community."

Sri Lanka, a South Asian island nation with a population of 22 million, has been facing its worst economic crisis since its independence.

The country has defaulted on all of its foreign debt and doubled its interest rate as it is seeking help from the International Monetary Fund for a bailout.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-declares-state-of-emergency-again-as-anti-govt-protest-rages-on-476951" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka declares state of emergency again as anti-govt protest rages on</a>

United States ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said in a tweet "Concerned by another state of emergency. The voices of peaceful citizens need to be heard."

"Every adult must act with a sense of responsibility and avoid exposing children to any form of violence, including during protests," aid agency UNICEF said.

Masahiro Nozaki, the IMF's mission chief for Sri Lanka, said on Saturday that the international financial institution will meet with Sri Lankan officials in a virtual meeting beginning on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Expressing 'grave concern' about the state of emergency, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka has called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to repeal it. "We call upon His Excellency to revoke the proclamation declaring a state of emergency and to ensure that the fundamental rights of the people.

Expressing 'grave concern' about the state of emergency, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka has called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to repeal it. "We call upon His Excellency to revoke the proclamation declaring a state of emergency and to ensure that the fundamental rights of the people... are respected and protected," the BASL said in a statement. Following an escalation in anti-government protests with demonstrators attempting to storm Sri Lanka's parliament, the president declared a state of emergency. According to a statement released by his office, "The President has taken this decision due to the public emergency situation in Sri Lanka and in the interests of public security, the protection of public order, and the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community." Sri Lanka, a South Asian island nation with a population of 22 million, has been facing its worst economic crisis since its independence. The country has defaulted on all of its foreign debt and doubled its interest rate as it is seeking help from the International Monetary Fund for a bailout. Also read | Sri Lanka declares state of emergency again as anti-govt protest rages on United States ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said in a tweet "Concerned by another state of emergency. The voices of peaceful citizens need to be heard." "Every adult must act with a sense of responsibility and avoid exposing children to any form of violence, including during protests," aid agency UNICEF said. Masahiro Nozaki, the IMF's mission chief for Sri Lanka, said on Saturday that the international financial institution will meet with Sri Lankan officials in a virtual meeting beginning on Monday. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

Bar Association of Sri Lanka expresses 'grave concern' on the state of emergency

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has declared a state of emergency for the second time in two months as protest against the ruling establishment over inflation and economic crisis rages on.

According to the president’s media division, the emergency will take effect from midnight of May 6.

According to reports, the president invoked the tough laws after trade unions staged a nationwide strike on Friday demanding his resignation over worsening economic crisis.

The move comes in the wake of protests across the island demanding the resignation of the president and the entire government over failure to solve the severe economic crisis.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, thousands of student activists belonging to the Inter University Students Federation blocked the main access road to the parliament complex and carried out protests for the past 24 hours. The police resorted to firing tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse the protesters.

Despite mounting pressure, President Rajapaksa and his elder brother and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa have refused to quit.

On Thursday, they won a key election in Parliament when their candidate convincingly won the race for the post of Deputy Speaker Ranjith S.

However, 24 hours after being elected, Ranjith resigned.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Sri Lanka's crisis to last for two years

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-sri-lankas-crisis-to-last-for-two-years-476687/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In his resignation letter to the president, he said, “Personally, I believed that I was put forward as the candidate representing the opposition and the government. However, the opposition fielded a candidate in the last minute and went for a secret ballot.”

“Although emerging&nbsp;victorious, I am now being perceived as a traitor and an enemy by the public.”

“As someone who understands the plight and the current struggles of the people, I wish to side with them and resign.”

The Rajapaksa government had first declared emergency on April 1 to control law and order after thousands converged on the streets against the government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-stripped-of-good-governance-sri-lankans-launch-an-underwear-protest-476828">Stripped of good governance, Sri Lankans launch an 'underwear protest'</a>

However, the president later revoked the order on April 05 after coming under pressure from his own cabinet ministers and the opposition parties.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-ranjith-siyambalapitiya-re-elected-as-deputy-speaker-of-parliament-476476">Sri Lanka: Ranjith Siyambalapitiya re-elected as Deputy Speaker of Parliament</a>

The island nation is going through an economic meltdown of a scale unseen since the country’s financial crisis of 1948.

WATCH WION LIVE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has declared a state of emergency for the second time in two months as protest against the ruling establishment over inflation and economic crisis rages on.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has declared a state of emergency for the second time in two months as protest against the ruling establishment over inflation and economic crisis rages on. According to the president’s media division, the emergency will take effect from midnight of May 6. According to reports, the president invoked the tough laws after trade unions staged a nationwide strike on Friday demanding his resignation over worsening economic crisis. The move comes in the wake of protests across the island demanding the resignation of the president and the entire government over failure to solve the severe economic crisis. Earlier in the day, thousands of student activists belonging to the Inter University Students Federation blocked the main access road to the parliament complex and carried out protests for the past 24 hours. The police resorted to firing tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse the protesters. Despite mounting pressure, President Rajapaksa and his elder brother and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa have refused to quit. On Thursday, they won a key election in Parliament when their candidate convincingly won the race for the post of Deputy Speaker Ranjith S. However, 24 hours after being elected, Ranjith resigned. Watch | Gravitas: Sri Lanka's crisis to last for two years In his resignation letter to the president, he said, “Personally, I believed that I was put forward as the candidate representing the opposition and the government. However, the opposition fielded a candidate in the last minute and went for a secret ballot.” “Although emerging victorious, I am now being perceived as a traitor and an enemy by the public.” “As someone who understands the plight and the current struggles of the people, I wish to side with them and resign.” The Rajapaksa government had first declared emergency on April 1 to control law and order after thousands converged on the streets against the government. Also read | Stripped of good governance, Sri Lankans launch an 'underwear protest' However, the president later revoked the order on April 05 after coming under pressure from his own cabinet ministers and the opposition parties. Also read | Sri Lanka: Ranjith Siyambalapitiya re-elected as Deputy Speaker of Parliament The island nation is going through an economic meltdown of a scale unseen since the country’s financial crisis of 1948. WATCH WION LIVE

Sri Lanka declares state of emergency again as anti-govt protest rages on

The inevitable has happened, and the Sri Lankan government has declared bankruptcy. It makes one wonder if other nations might have undergone bankruptcy in the past?

Did you know this country was once bankrupt?

Sri Lanka's parliament is set to meet on Tuesday amid large scale anti-government protests.

Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had earlier urged opposition party leaders to join the government&nbsp;after the cabinet ministers resigned from their posts on Sunday.

The country's opposition however dismissed the president's invitation of a unity government amid the political turmoil sweeping the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rice-from-india-to-arrive-in-the-country-soon-says-indian-envoy-to-sri-lanka-gopal-baglay-468358">Also Read:&nbsp;'Rice from India to arrive in the country soon,' says Indian envoy to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;

Protesters took to the streets despite a nationwide curfew in the country while demonstrating against rising&nbsp;prices and the worsening economic state in the country.

Watch: Political crisis in Sri Lanka erupts

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-crisis-president-invites-opposition-to-join-a-unity-government-468279/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Lankan president had imposed a state of emergency last weekend as protesters tried to storm the president's house in Colombo. Reports claim Sri Lanka's top medical body has declared a state of emergency due to a lack of medicines in the country.

Sri Lanka's new finance minister MUM Ali Sabry resigned from his post&nbsp;on Wednesday. Sabry was earlier the Justice minister.

Reports claim protesters demonstrated against the government outside the offices of the president and the prime minister in Colombo amid escalating tensions between the government and the people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-lifts-social-media-gag-as-students-defy-curfew-to-protest-against-inflation-power-cuts-467993">Also Read:&nbsp;Sri Lanka lifts social media gag as students defy curfew</a>

Sri Lanka has been hit by an economic crisis for the past two years with the outbreak of the COVID-19 crisis with its foreign reserves running at an all-time low. The country has been experiencing rising inflation and fuel prices including power cuts leading to mass distress among the citizens.

Amid the economic turmoil, the country's central bank governor Ajith Cabraal stepped down on Monday as mass anti-government protests continues&nbsp;in the country.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Sri Lanka's parliament is set to meet on Tuesday amid large scale anti-government protests. Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had earlier urged opposition party leaders to join the government after the cabinet ministers resigned from their posts on Sunday.

Sri Lanka's parliament is set to meet on Tuesday amid large scale anti-government protests. Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had earlier urged opposition party leaders to join the government after the cabinet ministers resigned from their posts on Sunday. The country's opposition however dismissed the president's invitation of a unity government amid the political turmoil sweeping the country. Also Read: 'Rice from India to arrive in the country soon,' says Indian envoy to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay Protesters took to the streets despite a nationwide curfew in the country while demonstrating against rising prices and the worsening economic state in the country. Watch: Political crisis in Sri Lanka erupts The Lankan president had imposed a state of emergency last weekend as protesters tried to storm the president's house in Colombo. Reports claim Sri Lanka's top medical body has declared a state of emergency due to a lack of medicines in the country. Sri Lanka's new finance minister MUM Ali Sabry resigned from his post on Wednesday. Sabry was earlier the Justice minister. Reports claim protesters demonstrated against the government outside the offices of the president and the prime minister in Colombo amid escalating tensions between the government and the people. Also Read: Sri Lanka lifts social media gag as students defy curfew Sri Lanka has been hit by an economic crisis for the past two years with the outbreak of the COVID-19 crisis with its foreign reserves running at an all-time low. The country has been experiencing rising inflation and fuel prices including power cuts leading to mass distress among the citizens. Amid the economic turmoil, the country's central bank governor Ajith Cabraal stepped down on Monday as mass anti-government protests continues in the country. (With inputs from Agencies)

Sri Lankan medical body declares health emergency amid political turmoil: Report

Sri Lanka has imposed 36-hour nationwide curfew to quell the unrest in the country that has erupted in the wake of economic crisis.

"Under the powers given to the president, curfew has been imposed countrywide from 6 p.m. (1230 GMT) on Saturday to 6 a.m. (0030 GMT) on Monday," the government's information department said in a statement.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has already invoked stringent laws to tackle the growing unrest. A state of emetgency has been declared.

In the past, a state of emergency order allowed the military to arrest and detain suspects without warrants.

The current restrictions were not immediately clear, said a rights' lawyer.

Watch | Sri Lanka's economic crisis explodes- public emergency declared

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lankas-economic-crisis-explodes-public-emergency-declared-467682/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Bhavani Fonseka, a senior researcher at the nonprofit Colombo Centre for Policy Alternatives rights group said regulations defining the president's emergency powers have yet to be issued.

Shops opened and traffic was normal, while police remained stationed at some petrol stations.

The Indian Ocean island nation of 22 million people is grappling with rolling blackouts for up to 13 hours a day as the government scrambles to secure foreign exchange to pay for fuel imports.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-protests-turned-ugly-sri-lankas-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-declares-emergency-467576">Sri Lanka Crisis Updates: After declaration of emergency, security forces patrol Colombo</a>

Rajapaksa said the state of emergency was necessary to protect public order and maintain essential supplies and services.

The order has raised fears that the government could resort to a crackdown to quell protests.

"There has been a failure to understand the aspirations of the people and to empathize with the suffering of the people of the country," the lawyers, members of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, said in their appeal.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-sri-lankas-economy-spiralled-into-crisis-467476">How Sri Lanka's economy spiralled into crisis</a>

US Ambassador Julie Chung said, "Sri Lankans have a right to protest peacefully - essential for democratic expression.

"I am watching the situation closely, and hope the coming days bring restraint from all sides, as well as much needed economic stability and relief for those suffering," she tweeted https://twitter.com/USAmbSL/status/1510092795452981248?s=20&amp;t=TPXDzfvxXd7wQLkfPGg8Yw.

Angered by shortages of fuel and other essential items, hundreds of protesters clashed on Thursday with police and the military outside Rajapaksa's residence as they called for his ouster and torched several police and army vehicles.

Police arrested 53 people and imposed a curfew in and around Colombo on Friday to contain other sporadic protests.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka has imposed 36-hour nationwide curfew to quell the unrest in the country that has erupted in the wake of economic crisis. "Under the powers given to the president, curfew has been imposed countrywide from 6 p.

Sri Lanka has imposed 36-hour nationwide curfew to quell the unrest in the country that has erupted in the wake of economic crisis. "Under the powers given to the president, curfew has been imposed countrywide from 6 p.m. (1230 GMT) on Saturday to 6 a.m. (0030 GMT) on Monday," the government's information department said in a statement. Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has already invoked stringent laws to tackle the growing unrest. A state of emetgency has been declared. In the past, a state of emergency order allowed the military to arrest and detain suspects without warrants. The current restrictions were not immediately clear, said a rights' lawyer. Watch | Sri Lanka's economic crisis explodes- public emergency declared × Bhavani Fonseka, a senior researcher at the nonprofit Colombo Centre for Policy Alternatives rights group said regulations defining the president's emergency powers have yet to be issued. Shops opened and traffic was normal, while police remained stationed at some petrol stations. The Indian Ocean island nation of 22 million people is grappling with rolling blackouts for up to 13 hours a day as the government scrambles to secure foreign exchange to pay for fuel imports. Also Read | Sri Lanka Crisis Updates: After declaration of emergency, security forces patrol Colombo Rajapaksa said the state of emergency was necessary to protect public order and maintain essential supplies and services. The order has raised fears that the government could resort to a crackdown to quell protests. "There has been a failure to understand the aspirations of the people and to empathize with the suffering of the people of the country," the lawyers, members of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, said in their appeal. Also Read | How Sri Lanka's economy spiralled into crisis US Ambassador Julie Chung said, "Sri Lankans have a right to protest peacefully - essential for democratic expression. "I am watching the situation closely, and hope the coming days bring restraint from all sides, as well as much needed economic stability and relief for those suffering," she tweeted https://twitter.com/USAmbSL/status/1510092795452981248?s=20&t=TPXDzfvxXd7wQLkfPGg8Yw. Angered by shortages of fuel and other essential items, hundreds of protesters clashed on Thursday with police and the military outside Rajapaksa's residence as they called for his ouster and torched several police and army vehicles. Police arrested 53 people and imposed a curfew in and around Colombo on Friday to contain other sporadic protests. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka imposes nationwide curfew till Monday to quell unrest

Sri Lanka to opt for an international monetary fund bailout or not, that is a big question in Sri Lanka right now. Sri Lanka's cabinet of ministers is now trying to meet further to explore the IMF option as a country reels under a massive financial crisis.

Sri Lanka's inflation hit a record 11.1% in November

Facebook has apologised for its role in the&nbsp;deadly anti-Muslim riots that&nbsp;took place in Sri Lanka two years ago

Evidence in an investigation had found that hate speech and rumours spread on the social media platform may have led to violence against Muslims,&nbsp;according to Article One,&nbsp;the human rights consultancy hired to conduct the investigation.

The tech giant commissioned a probe into the part it may have played, and investigators said incendiary content on Facebook may have led to violence against Muslims.

"We deplore the misuse of our platform," Facebook said in a statement after the findings were released Tuesday.

"We recognize, and apologize for, the very real human rights impacts that resulted."

The riots in early 2018 had erupted as anti-communal&nbsp;anger was whipped up on social media, forcing the Sri Lankan government to impose a state of emergency and block access to Facebook.

At least three people were killed and 20 injured in the unrest, during which mosques and Muslim businesses were burned, mainly in the central part of the Sinhalese Buddhist-majority nation.

Facebook has apologised for its role in the deadly anti-Muslim riots that took place in Sri Lanka two years ago Evidence in an investigation had found that hate speech and rumours spread on the social media platform may have led to violence against Muslims, according to Article One, the human rights consultancy hired to conduct the investigation.

Facebook has apologised for its role in the deadly anti-Muslim riots that took place in Sri Lanka two years ago Evidence in an investigation had found that hate speech and rumours spread on the social media platform may have led to violence against Muslims, according to Article One, the human rights consultancy hired to conduct the investigation. The tech giant commissioned a probe into the part it may have played, and investigators said incendiary content on Facebook may have led to violence against Muslims. "We deplore the misuse of our platform," Facebook said in a statement after the findings were released Tuesday. "We recognize, and apologize for, the very real human rights impacts that resulted." The riots in early 2018 had erupted as anti-communal anger was whipped up on social media, forcing the Sri Lankan government to impose a state of emergency and block access to Facebook. At least three people were killed and 20 injured in the unrest, during which mosques and Muslim businesses were burned, mainly in the central part of the Sinhalese Buddhist-majority nation.

Facebook apologises for its role in unrest in Sri Lanka

A state of emergency was extended by Sri Lanka's President Saturday, going back on pledges to relax the tough laws introduced after the Easter Sunday attacks that killed 258 people.

Maithripala Sirisena said in a decree he believed there was a "public emergency" in the country and was invoking provisions of the public security act extending the state of emergency.

The tough laws, granting sweeping powers to police and security forces to arrest and detain suspects, were due to expire on Saturday.

Just over 100 people, including 10 women, are in custody in connection with April's Easter Sunday suicide attacks against three churches and three luxury hotels in Colombo.&nbsp;

In late May, Sirisena told diplomats -- from Australia, Canada, Japan, the US and European states -- the security situation was "99 per cent back to normal" and he would allow the emergency laws to lapse by June 22.

He assured diplomats security forces had either detained or killed all those directly involved in the attacks, blamed on a local jihadi group and claimed by the Islamic State group.

There was no immediate word from the government why Sirisena changed his mind, but security remains tight in the capital.

The emergency can be declared for a month at a time, and parliament must ratify it within 10 days.

The continuation of the emergency came as police announced criminal investigations against several top officers, including the Inspector-General, for negligence and lapses ahead of the bombings.

Sirisena himself has been criticised for failing to act on precise Indian intelligence that jihadists were about to hit Christian churches and other targets in Sri Lanka.

A parliamentary public inquiry has been told Sirisena -- who is also the minister of defence and law and order -- failed to follow proper national security protocols.

The mainly Buddhist nation of 21 million people was about to mark a decade since ending a 37-year-long Tamil separatist war when the Islamic extremists struck.

A state of emergency was extended by Sri Lanka's President Saturday, going back on pledges to relax the tough laws introduced after the Easter Sunday attacks that killed 258 people.

A state of emergency was extended by Sri Lanka's President Saturday, going back on pledges to relax the tough laws introduced after the Easter Sunday attacks that killed 258 people. Maithripala Sirisena said in a decree he believed there was a "public emergency" in the country and was invoking provisions of the public security act extending the state of emergency. The tough laws, granting sweeping powers to police and security forces to arrest and detain suspects, were due to expire on Saturday. Just over 100 people, including 10 women, are in custody in connection with April's Easter Sunday suicide attacks against three churches and three luxury hotels in Colombo. In late May, Sirisena told diplomats -- from Australia, Canada, Japan, the US and European states -- the security situation was "99 per cent back to normal" and he would allow the emergency laws to lapse by June 22. He assured diplomats security forces had either detained or killed all those directly involved in the attacks, blamed on a local jihadi group and claimed by the Islamic State group. There was no immediate word from the government why Sirisena changed his mind, but security remains tight in the capital. The emergency can be declared for a month at a time, and parliament must ratify it within 10 days. The continuation of the emergency came as police announced criminal investigations against several top officers, including the Inspector-General, for negligence and lapses ahead of the bombings. Sirisena himself has been criticised for failing to act on precise Indian intelligence that jihadists were about to hit Christian churches and other targets in Sri Lanka. A parliamentary public inquiry has been told Sirisena -- who is also the minister of defence and law and order -- failed to follow proper national security protocols. The mainly Buddhist nation of 21 million people was about to mark a decade since ending a 37-year-long Tamil separatist war when the Islamic extremists struck.

Sri Lanka extends emergency in surprise move