An internet company official says the government has ordered popular social media networks blocked across a swathe of central Sri Lanka in an attempt to stop the spread of communal violence.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity under company policy, said the networks, including Facebook, Instagram, Viber and WhatsApp, were blocked in the central hills, scene of the violence. Outside of that region, though, many people were also unable to access the social media sites, reports the Associated Press.

Sri Lanka on Tuesday declared a 10-day nationwide state of emergency to quell communal violence that have killed at least two people and damaged dozens of homes.

The government sent troops and elite police to Kandy after a mob set fire to a shop, imposing a curfew there on Monday to prevent clashes between Sinhalese Buddhists and Muslims.