The Government Information Department says he government has banned Facebook, Viber WhatsApp and several other social media websites with immediate effect.

The decision has been made following the outbreak of unrest in the Kuliyapitiya area last night.

This was the third social media ban in Sri Lanka after the Easter Sunday explosions on May 21 which claimed the lives of over 250.

"As per the directive issued by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) Facebook, WhatsApp,Viber, IMO, Snapchat, Instagram & YouTube would be restricted with immediate effect until further notice" Dialog Axiata tweeted this morning.

The Police imposed curfew in the area until 6 AM to avoid further incidents.