The Socialist People’s Forum has condemned the National People’s Power (NPP) government over the withholding of several literary works by renowned Tamil writer Pradeepan Deepachelvan, which have remained in custody at Sri Lanka Customs for weeks.
In a statement, the Forum said the incident highlights two key issues about the state. Firstly, it argued that even governments with progressive outlooks act to protect racist and supremacist foundations, noting that decisions on whether Tamil writings are suitable for reading continue to rest with the Ministry of Culture and Customs.
Secondly, the Forum pointed out that most of Deepachelvan’s works being withheld have not even been read, questioning how authorities concluded that unread books could disrupt peace, incite nationalism, or obstruct unity. The Forum alleged that the government, aided by mercenary writers, has treated Tamil authorship itself as a threat to national security.
The statement further criticized writers and intellectuals who, while claiming to defend freedom of expression, have shown opportunism in the face of the issue.
“These low acts confirm divisions among communities by a government that came to power claiming to stand for the people’s full freedom,” the Socialist People’s Forum said, urging society to remain vigilant against such measures and those who support them. (Newswire)