Malaysia-Sri Lanka flights operating as usual

PETALING JAYA: Flights to Sri Lanka are operating as usual despite the country declaring a nationwide state of emergency for 10 days to stop the spread of communal violence.

In a statement on Tuesday (March 6), AirAsia said it was aware of the current state of emergency and is monitoring the situation.

"At present, AirAsia flights to Sri Lanka are operating as per scheduled.

"AirAsia will continue to observe the situation and keep guests informed on the latest updates," it said.

Malaysia Airlines also confirmed that its flights to Sri Lanka are not affected.

Reuters reported that tension has been growing between majority Buddhists and members of the minority Muslim community in Sri Lanka over the past year.

Some hardline Buddhist groups have accused Muslims of forcing people to convert to Islam and vandalising Buddhist archaeological sites.