<p>Thousands of Sri Lankan Muslims marched towards the heavily barricaded US embassy today calling for ban of American brands, denouncing an anti-Islam film that has triggered protests across the world.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Around 20,000 people carried placards urging boycott of US brand names in the second anti-US protest in the capital since Friday.<br /><br />The US embassy had shut down today as a precautionary measure.<br />Today's peaceful protest march was led by the Governor of the Western Province, Alavi Moulana of the ruling UPFA coalition.<br /><br />The protesters also carried placards saying "USA ban the film on YouTube," "Punishment for those involved," and "Our hearts are wounded and chests full of anger."<br /><br />Responding to criticism of the film, the government yesterday said steps have been taken to prevent it from being screened in the Buddhist majority island.<br /><br />Muslims constitute only 7 per cent of the 20 million population.<br />Protesters were, however, not allowed to go near the embassy which is located within close proximity to President Mahinda Rajapaksa's office.</p>
<p>Thousands of Sri Lankan Muslims marched towards the heavily barricaded US embassy today calling for ban of American brands, denouncing an anti-Islam film that has triggered protests across the world.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Around 20,000 people carried placards urging boycott of US brand names in the second anti-US protest in the capital since Friday.<br /><br />The US embassy had shut down today as a precautionary measure.<br />Today's peaceful protest march was led by the Governor of the Western Province, Alavi Moulana of the ruling UPFA coalition.<br /><br />The protesters also carried placards saying "USA ban the film on YouTube," "Punishment for those involved," and "Our hearts are wounded and chests full of anger."<br /><br />Responding to criticism of the film, the government yesterday said steps have been taken to prevent it from being screened in the Buddhist majority island.<br /><br />Muslims constitute only 7 per cent of the 20 million population.<br />Protesters were, however, not allowed to go near the embassy which is located within close proximity to President Mahinda Rajapaksa's office.</p>