Reports have emerged of several social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter being disrupted in Sri Lanka, as authorities respond to protests challenging the ruling Rajapaksa regime.

Users across the island have begun using VPN services in an attempt to bypass apparent restrictions, as services have reported to been disrupted.

Reports have emerged of slow access to social media sites and a complete failure to reach them entirely. The platforms with disrupted access include TikTok, WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

The new apparent restrictions come after Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency.

Responding to Sri Lanka’s state of emergency, which followed massive protests outside the President’s residency, the European Union has raised concern and stressed the need to respect democratic rights.

On Twitter they stated:

Concerned by the state of emergency, EU strongly urges Sri Lankan authorities to safeguard democratic rights of all citizens, including right to free assembly and dissent, which has to be peaceful. Challenging times for Sri Lankan people- EU continues to follow situation closely

Mothers in the Mannar district have filed a complaint with the Mannar Public Health Medical Office after being supplied inedible bug-infested rice under the “Uthama Pooja for Pregnant Mothers” program by the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs

Social media activist, Anuruddha Bandara, was reportedly arrested on Friday night for running a Facebook page called “Gota Go Home”.

Initial reporting indicated that he was taken from his home in Gampola by a group of men claiming to be from the Modara police whilst the police denied knowledge of this arrest. Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Commission has since informed the Young Journalist Association that he had been arrested and remains in Police Custody.

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.

_{Locals in Mannar queue for fuel}

A 6,000 MT gas delivery arrived from the Middle East but was turned away after Sri Lankan officials failed to provide adequate proof of funding for the US $4.5 million shipment.

Responding to Britain’s travel advisory warning on Sri Lanka, the country’s Foreign Ministry,  G.L. Peiris, lashed out against the UK accusing the government of singling out Sri Lanka for criticism and claimed individuals had gained 'mega financial benefits' as the United Nations Human Rights Council passed resolutions on mass atrocities committed on the island.

According to a report in The Island, Peiris claimed “the UN squandered money on a costly project targeting Sri Lanka”.

Following the protest outside Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's residence, Sri Lankan police arrested a total of 56 people under the country's widely condemned Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) with 48 having since been released. 

The 48 people were released on bail by Nugegoda magistrate’s court after the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka’s statement that those protesting in Nugegoda cannot be charged under the PTA.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa has issued a gazette declaring a 'public emergency' following anti-government protests.

The gazette notes the declaration to be in the 'interests of public security'.The emergency law enables all Sri Lankan state authorities to detain people without warrants, seize property, enter and search any premises, suspend laws and issue orders that cannot be questioned in court. Officials who issue such orders are also immune from lawsuits.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Sri Lanka are to initiate talks in the coming days regarding a financial assistance program after the state sought help to avert the deepening economic crisis. 

Sri Lanka has expressed interest in an IMF-supported financial program. We will initiate program discussions with the authorities, including during the Finance Minister’s visit to Washington, DC in April. pic.twitter.com/EfsVlWaPu3