Anti-Western protests grip Sri Lanka amid World T20

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's police barricaded the US embassy in Colombo for the second time in four days Monday as thousands of Muslims gathered to denounce an anti-Islam film which has sparked protests worldwide.

An estimated 20,000 people carrying anti-US and anti-Semitic placards marched towards the embassy during heightened security for the World Twenty20 cricket tournament hosted by Sri Lanka.

A ruling party stalwart, Alavi Moulana, was seen among the Muslims taking part in the orderly and peaceful demonstration that blocked traffic for several hours. "Dear Muslims around the world, stop purchasing Jewish products such as Coca Cola, KFC, McDonald's, Pepsi, Fanta, Pizza Hut, You Tube, D and G etc," said a banner carried by protesters. "Who is behind the film? Jews," said another anti-semitic placard carried by the demonstrators.

The anti-Islam film has been produced by Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, reportedly a 55-year-old Egyptian Copt and convicted fraudster, based in Los Angeles and currently out on parole.

Sri Lanka, mainly a Buddhist country, has a small minority of Muslims among its 20 million population.