Protests were launched island wide today by Muslims denouncing the

American movie which defamed Islam.

Harthals were observed in Batticaloa today while the same were observed in Ampara & Akkareipaththu yesterday.

The movie which has been titled the "Innocense of Muslims" has caused an outrage within the Muslim community worldwide.

Protests launched denouncing the movie has claimed 3 lives so far.

The following are the views expressed to the media by Islamic devotees who engaged in local protests today.

Meanwhile the American Embassy in Sri Lanka issuing a media release deplores the publication of the video in dispute.

In its release the US embassy in Colombo went onto say that it vehemently condemns the contents of the video & its message.

US Embassy Spokesperson Christopher Keel speaking to our news team

expressed the following views.

Moreover the actors who appear in the controversial film that has sparked riots across the Islamic world claim they were duped into appearing in the production by its producer Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, a Christian of Egyptian origin.

Stars including Cindy Lee Garcia and Anna Gurji say the film was altered after shooting to turn it into a piece of anti-Muslim propaganda and furiously deny any involvement.

They insist their voices were dubbed in the poorly produced film, after the trailer alone provoked widespread violence that has led to many deaths.