The T20 tri-series involving India and Bangladesh in Sri Lanka got off to a rocky start with a 10-day state of emergency imposed in the country to contain communal violence.

India are in Sri Lanka to participate in the Nidahas Trophy which celebrate 70 years of the country’s independence.

However, the Sri Lankan government has been busy containing the spread of communal violence a day after Buddhist and Muslim inhabitants clashed in the central district of Kandy.

The Indian team is expected to take part in the series that begins in Colombo on Tuesday.

Government spokesperson Dayasiri Jayasekara said: “At a special cabinet meeting, it was decided to declare a state of emergency for 10 days to prevent the spread of communal riots to other parts of the country.”

“It was also decided to take stern action against people who are instigating violence through Facebook,” he added.