Colombo: The ongoing clashes between Buddhists and minority Muslims forced Sri Lankan Government to deploy army in riot hit areas.
Last night, the violence was spread to newer areas including a popular tourist region in the country where curfew failed to extinguish the untoward incidents.
At least four people have died and destroyed a number of homes and business establishments.
Officials said that the Sri Lankan Army has been asked to take positions at riot hit areas of Aluthgama and Beruwala regions where violence intensified last night.
The decision was followed by a request made by the police.
The riot hit tourist center is about 60 kilometers south of the capital Colombo.
However, no tourist have reported to be caught in the middle of the violence.
The residents said that the violence was created by 50 armed men who have destroyed numerous houses and shops.
The unrest was spread in-spite of curfew and deployment of of approximately 1,200 police personnel in the area.

Video on the ethnic violence in Sri Lanka