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Sri Lanka blocks SMS

by on04 February 2008

Image

Independence messaging out


Sri Lanka's
telecom networks have blocked all text messaging on mobile phones as part of security measures for the island's independence day celebrations.

There is concern that terrorists will use SMSs to trigger bombs among the crowds at the independence day celebrations. But they also thought that Tamil Tiger rebels could use them to scare people into staying away from celebrations. Over the weekend a suicide bombing at the main railway station in the capital of Colombo killed at least 12 people and injured more than 100.

The celebrations, marking the independence of the country from Britain, are the first national event since the government in Colombo last month withdrew from a 2002 truce with the Tamil Tiger guerrillas fighting for an independent homeland.
Last modified on 05 February 2008
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