In the midst of protests, Sri Lanka imposes a curfew and censors social media.

 Following protests over food and fuel shortages, Sri Lanka's government has barred access to social media and enforced a 36-hour curfew.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa issued an order barring anyone from appearing on any public road, park, railroad, or beach without written authorization from the authorities.

On Saturday, the curfew went into effect at dusk.

Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are among the social media sites that have been blocked.

WhatsApp is also unavailable, with users receiving a message from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission stating that this was "as directed by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission."

After mobs were accused of torching vehicles near the president's private residence on Thursday, the tough restrictions are intended at avoiding new protests.

Since then, the military has been deployed, and they now have the authority to arrest people without a warrant.

The island nation is experiencing a severe economic downturn. A paucity of foreign currency, which is used to pay for fuel imports, contributes to the problem.

Public outrage has reached new heights as a result of power outages lasting half a day or longer, as well as a dearth of fuel, vital food, and medicines.

 The protest outside President Rajapaksa's Colombo residence  began peacefully on Thursday, but participants said it quickly devolved after police used tear gas, water cannons, and assaulted those in attendance.

Protesters pelted police officers with stones in retaliation.

According to reports, at least two dozen police officers were injured during the fights.

On Friday, 53 demonstrators were jailed, and five news photographers were imprisoned and abused at a police station, according to local media. The government has stated that it will look into the latter claim.

Protests continued despite the crackdown and extended to other parts of the country.

Demonstrators held signs asking for the president's resignation in the capital. Mr Rajapaksa, who swept into office with a majority vote in 2019, vowing stability and a "strong hand" to lead the country, has seen his popularity plummet as a result of the protests.