All social media sites in the country blocked - TRC

All social media sites, including Facebook, have been blocked in the country until further notice, the Telecommunications Regulartory Commission (TRC) confirmed. 

A TRC official stated that the decision has been taken following a request made by the Defence Ministry. 

Accordingly, all social media sites, including Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp and Viber have been blocked. 

While initially, the plan was to monitor and filter out content on social media, the sheer volume of false information being shared online was making it difficult and a decision has now been taken to block all social media sites temporarily. 

The TRC official stated that it was difficult to say when the blockade will be lifted. "It will depend on the situation in Kandy," he added.  

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