1 killed in Sri Lanka riots despite curfew

Tuesday, 14 May 2019 09:24

One person has been killed in sectarian violence in Sri Lanka's north-western province, despite a night curfew.

Authorities said the 42-year-old man, who was attacked in his carpentry shop, died of stab wounds in the hospital.

According to reports, two busloads of people carried out raging attacks on mosques and businesses owned by Muslims in the area.

In several towns, police had to fire in the air or use tear gas to disperse the mobs.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has appealed for calm, saying the unrest was hampering the probe into the Easter Sunday attacks.

More from International

European leaders rally behind Greenland in face of renewed US threat

Leaders from major European powers rallied behind Greenland on Tuesday, saying the Arctic island belongs to its people, following a renewed threat by US President Donald Trump to take over the Danish territory.
South Korea's Lee says he asked Xi to play a mediating role on North Korea

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Wednesday that much progress had been made in restoring trust with Beijing, and that he had asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to play a role in mediating Seoul's efforts to engage North Korea.
6.7-magnitude earthquake strikes near Baculin, Philippines

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the Philippines' southern islands on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said, and there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Israel, Syria to share intelligence following US-mediated talks

Israel and Syria agreed during US-mediated talks in Paris to set up a communication mechanism to coordinate on security, intelligence and commercial issues, the three countries said in a joint statement released on Tuesday by the State Department.
Maduro opponent Machado vows to return to Venezuela, wants election

Venezuela's main opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has vowed to return home quickly, praising US President Donald Trump for toppling her enemy Nicolas Maduro and declaring her movement ready to win a free election.