ITAK Parliamentary Group Leader and Member of Parliament Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has raised the continued use of Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the recent arrest of Tamil rapper Ganeshkumar Sangeethsan, known as Hiphop Sangee, in discussions with Charles Whiteley, Head of the South Asia Division (ASIAPAC) of the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels.

According to ITAK, raising the recent arrest and detention of the Tamil rapper, MP Shanakiyan expressed serious concern over the case and highlighted the implications it carries for freedom of expression, democratic freedoms, and human rights in Sri Lanka.

During the meeting, Shanakiyan handed over a letter from ITAK General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran regarding the arrest of Hiphop Sangee and reiterated the longstanding call for the repeal of the PTA. He emphasized that despite repeated commitments by successive governments to abolish the legislation, it continues to be used against individuals, particularly within the Tamil community.

Shanakiyan also drew attention to the implications of the continued use of the PTA in the context of Sri Lanka’s obligations under the European Union’s GSP+ trade concession scheme. He noted that the continued arrest and detention of individuals under the PTA, including the recent detention of Hiphop Sangee, raise serious concerns regarding Sri Lanka’s compliance with international human rights commitments that form the basis of GSP+ eligibility. 

He stressed that the repeated assurances given by successive governments to repeal the PTA have not been fulfilled and that the continued use of the law undermines Sri Lanka’s commitments relating to fundamental rights, freedom of expression, due process, and democratic governance.

The meeting also addressed the urgent need to conduct the long-overdue Provincial Council elections, with Shanakiyan stressing that meaningful devolution of power and democratic representation remain essential for addressing the political aspirations of the Tamil people.

Discussions further covered ongoing constitutional reform proposals, with emphasis on ensuring that any future constitutional arrangements safeguard the political rights, equality, and aspirations of the Tamil people.

Shanakiyan also raised the issue of enforced disappearances, highlighting the continued struggle of families seeking truth and justice for their missing loved ones. He stressed the importance of accountability, credible truth-seeking mechanisms, and justice in line with international standards.

The continued occupation of lands in Tamil-majority areas was another matter discussed. Shanakiyan highlighted that significant extents of land remain under military and state control and called for their expedited release and return to their rightful owners. He emphasized that land release is essential to facilitate the resettlement of displaced families, restore livelihoods, and ensure that affected communities can rebuild their lives with dignity.

Shanakiyan reiterated the importance of continued international engagement in addressing the legitimate political, human rights, and social justice concerns of the Tamil people and welcomed the European Union’s ongoing attention to these issues. (Newswire)

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Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran has clarified that a resolution reportedly passed by the Pachchilaipalli Pradeshiya Sabha has no connection to the party and, in fact, runs contrary to ITAK’s principles. 

In a statement on social media, he stressed that neither the party nor its leadership had any involvement in the move, and reiterated that council chairmen under ITAK’s influence have already been instructed not to engage in such activities.

Sumanthiran further noted that matters relating to international affairs are handled at other responsible levels, and the party will investigate the background in which the resolution and its Tamil translation were created before taking appropriate action. 

He pointed out that the chairman concerned had already been subjected to disciplinary measures and suspended from party membership, making the incident all the more significant. (Newswire)

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The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has announced its opposition to the government’s “Prajashakthi” programme.

ITAK media spokesperson and former MP, M.A. Sumanthiran, pointed out that this is a mechanism carried out based on a political party.

He noted that it operates in parallel to the state machinery and sets a wrong precedent.

The former MP further stated that development activities, which should be carried out by elected local government representatives, are instead being undertaken through the “Prajashakthi” programme, thereby obstructing the functions of those institutions.

He emphasized that the program is contrary to the Constitution and added that legal action will be taken against it in the future. (Newswire)

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The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has decided not to support the no‑confidence motion to be brought against Prime Minister and Education Minister Harini Amarasuriya.

Announcing this at a media briefing, ITAK Member of Parliament Sivagnanam Sridharan said his party had reached this decision.

Opposition MPs are currently collecting signatures to move a no‑confidence motion seeking the removal of Harini Amarasuriya from her positions as Prime Minister and Education Minister.

MP Sridharan stated that his party would not sign the motion, explaining that the decision was taken because no proper evidence had been presented regarding the allegations made against the Prime Minister.

He further noted that since the controversial learning modules have already been withdrawn, demanding her removal from office is viewed by his party as a political reprisal.

The MP added that the matter had been discussed with the party leadership during a parliamentary group meeting, and even if the motion is presented in Parliament, his party would neither support it nor vote against the Prime Minister.

Highlighting the need for new education reforms in the country, Sridharan pointed out that, unlike other nations, Sri Lanka does not give due importance to primary education, which remains at a backward level.

While acknowledging that there are various criticisms of the government regarding issues faced by the Tamil people, he stressed that his party would not join in any defamatory actions targeting an individual woman. (Newswire)

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The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) has called on all Tamil members of the National Peoples’ Power (NPP), including Trincomalee MP and Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra, to resign immediately over the government’s response in relation to the recent issue of a Buddha statue in Trincomalee. 

A tense situation was reported yesterday after a group attempted to place a Buddha statue at a Dhamma school in a temple in the area last night. The Police were deployed to contain the situation, after which the statue was removed from the site. 

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said the statue was removed due to information of possible vandalism, adding that steps were taken to place the statue at the Dhamma school today, and that special police protection would be provided for its safety. 

Commenting on Minister Wijepala’s statement, ITAK General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran said the government and Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala have given in to the undue pressures of the majoritarian forces.

“Last night, when the Police removed the illegally installed statue on the Trincomalee beach on the orders of the Minister, some people actually thought that the government was acting properly without any racist mindset. Alas! That was short-lived as the Minister demonstrated in Parliament that this government’s feet are also made of clay,” the former MP said in a statement on ‘X’.

Sumanthiran further pointed out that the government’s rhetoric of treating all the people equally fell flat on its face when the Minister unashamedly announced in Parliament that the statue was removed due to security concerns and that it would be reinstalled today. 

“The NPP government stands exposed as a racist, Sinhala Buddhist nationalist force, no different to any other government in the past. All Tamil members of the NPP, including Trincomalee MP and deputy minister @arunhema19, must resign forthwith,” he added. (Newswire)

The ITAK is utterly dismayed by the conduct of the government and public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala for tamely giving into the undue pressures of the majoritarian forces. Last night when the Police removed the illegally installed statue on the Trincomalee beach on the…

— M A Sumanthiran (@MASumanthiran) November 17, 2025

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The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) will abstain from voting on the second reading of the Budget 2026, Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam informed Parliament today.

Addressing the Parliament, MP Shanakiyan said that the ITAK had decided a week ago to vote against the Budget 2026, as the government had failed to heed issues regarding the Tamil community.

MP Shanakiyan said, however, the President had agreed to a meeting with the ITAK next week to discuss the party’s concerns.

Stating that it is only a year since the government came into power, the MP said they have a few more years to discuss and resolve the issues. 

“We still have hope in the President. We will not vote for or against the government today, only because, as a measure of goodwill, trusting the President and putting our faith in the President, that the President will resolve our issues, will listen to us, and that he will look after the Tamil peoples’ political issues. Also that the President will bring in a new constitution that will include the Tamil peoples’ aspirations. At least in the coming few months, the President will listen to the victim community on the accountability issues and will act on the land issues. This is only because we want to engage as a goodwill gesture,” he added. 

MP Shanakiyan said that the ITAK’s abstention from voting today is a serious message to the world that the party was still trying to work with the government and wants to work with them. (Newswire)

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The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) has expressed its opposition to the appointment of former military and defence officials to the Office of Reparations, Opposition MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said. 

In a post on ‘X’, MP Shanakiyan said the ITAK has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake opposing the appointment of ex-military and defence officials to the Office of Reparations.

“For years, families of victims have said they have no faith in domestic accountability. They’ve been clear, they can’t trust institutions led by the same people connected to their suffering. The Government keeps promising a domestic process, but if these names go through, it’ll only confirm every fear those families have expressed,” he said. 

MP Shanakiyan pointed out that the ITAK has also written to the President over 4 months ago requesting a meeting to discuss concerns, but there has been no reply. (Newswire)

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The Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) has sent a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake requesting a meeting to address the Tamil national question. 

In the letter addressed to the President, the ITAK points out that despite the President having promised in his election manifesto to address the issue, no steps seem to have been taken in that regard.

The ITAK further said that, as the premier Tamil political party, it is ready to engage in discussions with the government to resolve the matter, and for the President to allocate a time for the meeting. (Newswire/ image file pic)

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Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam says the hartal called by the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) today, over the controversial death of a youth in Mullaitivu, was a resounding success. 

In a post on ‘X’, MP Shanakiyan said, a decision was taken to limit the hartal to 12 pm today, following assurances given by the government on the matter. 

“Following yesterday’s press briefing by the Cabinet Spokesperson, and based on assurances given regarding the investigation and steps being taken towards the removal of army camps, we decided to limit the hartal until 12 pm,” he said. 

MP Shanakiyan further condemned the actions of NPP members in the North and East who have reportedly threatened shop owners to keep their businesses open or face legal consequences.

“Such intimidation is a clear violation of the people’s democratic right to protest,” MP Shanakiyan added. 

The hartal was organized by the ITAK after the death of 32-year-old Edirmanasingam Kabilraj, who reportedly entered an Army camp in Oddusuddan and was later found dead in the Muttaiyankattu Tank. 

Three Army personnel have been arrested and produced in court, though the Sri Lanka Army has denied involvement. (Newswire)

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Several shops in Jaffna town remained open today despite a hartal underway in the Northern and Eastern provinces to protest the controversial death of a youth in Mullaitivu.

Shops in many areas across the two provinces, however, were closed in line with the hartal organized by the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK). ITAK claimed the hartal was a success, while the government insisted it had failed.

The protest comes after the death of 32-year-old Edirmanasingam Kabilraj, who reportedly entered an Army camp in Oddusuddan and was later found dead in the Muttaiyankattu Tank. Three Army personnel have been arrested and produced in court, though the Sri Lanka Army has denied involvement.

The hartal, which began this morning, has been backed by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA), and Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC). These parties have raised concerns over what they described as the oppressive conduct and excessive presence of the military in the North and East. (Newswire)

Hartal in North & East ended at 12 pm. ITAK calls it a success, Govt says it failed pic.twitter.com/VkWJF2Iy7o

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) August 18, 2025

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A hartal is currently underway across several areas in Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. The protest was organized by the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) in response to the controversial death of 32-year-old Edirmanasingam Kabilraj in Mullaitivu, who entered an Army camp and went missing, and was later found drowned in a nearby tank.

In a media briefing, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa condemned the circulation of false information and distortions surrounding the incident, urging residents to remain calm and maintain peace. He confirmed that three Army personnel have been arrested and are currently in court as investigations continue.

The Sri Lankan Army has denied any involvement in the death.

The hartal, which began this morning, received support from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA), and Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC), all calling for shops and businesses to close, especially during the morning hours.

ITAK, in a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, highlighted “the oppressive conduct and excessive presence of the military in the North and the East” and urged Dissanayake to “take immediate steps to remove the excessive presence of the military without delay.” (Newswire)

Hartal in North & East ended at 12 pm. ITAK calls it a success, Govt says it failed pic.twitter.com/VkWJF2Iy7o

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) August 18, 2025

Pictures from Batticaloa:

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The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) has extended its support for the Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi’s (ITAK) hartal to be held in the Northern and Eastern provinces on Monday (18), to protest the alleged killing of a man by soldiers from the Sri Lanka Army.

The body of 32-year-old Edirmanasingam Kabilraj was found in the Muttaiyankattu Tank on 09th August, two days after he and four others were reportedly summoned to the army camp and severely beaten.

Issuing a statement in support of the hartal, the SLMC said, “We are outraged by the recent killing in Mullaitivu, reportedly carried out by members of the Sri Lankan Army. This brutal act is yet another reminder of the deep crisis of law and order within the very forces that are tasked with protecting the public.”

The SLMC further said that the government’s inability or unwillingness to hold its armed forces accountable for such grave crimes has eroded public trust and endangered the lives of innocent civilians.

The SLMC pointed out that equally disturbing is the government’s attitude in granting visa-free entry to tourists from Israel, many of whom are members of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), a force widely condemned for violations of International Humanitarian Law in Gaza. 

Such policies send the wrong signal at a time when our own citizens are facing violence and injustice at the hands of armed forces, the party said.

“We stand in full solidarity with the hartal announced by the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) on Monday, 18th, as a peaceful protest demanding justice, accountability, and the immediate end to impunity within the military. We call upon our Muslim brothers and sisters across the North and East to join this collective stand by closing their shops and businesses—at least during the morning hours of Monday, 18th,” the SLMC said. 

The party went on to note that this united action will send a clear and powerful message that all communities, Tamil and Muslim alike, reject violence, oppose injustice, and will not remain silent when the government enables or excuses the abuse of power. 

“Let us rise together in solidarity for justice in Mullaitivu for Mullativu killing and the safety of all citizens, and for a Sri Lanka where no one is above the law,” it added. (Newswire)

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The hartal planned for Friday, 15th August, across the North and East has been postponed to Monday, 18th August, according to the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK). 

According to the ITAK, the date change follows a request from the Bishop of Mannar, who noted that a special event will be held at the Madhu Church on 15th August.

Following discussions with the Vicar General of the Mannar Diocese, organizers agreed to move the protest to avoid clashing with the church event and to coincide with the Nallur Temple festival.

Tamil National Alliance General Secretary M. A. Sumanthiran and ITAK President C. V. K. Sivagnanam urged the public to support the hartal on 18th August by closing shops and offices across the region to express opposition on key issues.

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi had previously called for a hartal on 15th August in the Northern and Eastern provinces to protest the alleged killing of a man by soldiers from the Sri Lankan Army in Oddusuddan, Mullaitivu. 

At the time, the ITAK stated that the body of 32-year-old Edirmanasingam Kabilraj was found in the Muttaiyankattu Tank on 09th August, two days after he and four others were reportedly summoned to the army camp and severely beaten. (Newswire)

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The Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA), led by MP Mano Ganesan, has extended its support for the hartal to be held on 15th August in the Northern and Eastern provinces to protest the alleged killing of a man by soldiers from the Sri Lanka Army.

In a post on’X’, MP Mano Ganesan said the TPA supports ITAK’s hartal call on Aug 15th against the disturbing arrest and killing of Tamil youth Kapil Raj. 

“Questions remain: Why army arrest civilians? Why torture? Why excessive military presence in the North East provinces when there’s no war?” he added in his statement. 

The Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) called for a hartal after the body of 32-year-old Edirmanasingam Kabilraj was found in the Muthuiyankaddu Tank in Oddusuddan on 09 August.

According to the ITAK, his body was found two days after he and four others were reportedly summoned to the army camp in the area and severely beaten.

The hartal is set to take place across the Northern and Eastern provinces to protest what the ITAK described as continuing military brutality. (Newswire)

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Heads of local councils controlled by the Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) have arrived at the Batticaloa District Coordinating Committee (DCC) meeting in garbage collection tractors, in a move of protest.

In a post on ‘X’, Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said they had arrived in such a manner, after the NPP government confiscated and planned to auction off their official vehicles. 

He pointed out that this move follows the President’s pre-election statement, indicating an intention to undermine local councils not won by the NPP.

“The official justification for seizing the vehicles was their high maintenance cost. However, in a clear contradiction, the Governor of the Eastern Province continues to use a V8 Land Cruiser, an expensive vehicle that incurs significant costs to the government,” MP Shanakiyan added. (Newswire)

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The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake urging immediate action to ensure truth, justice, and international collaboration in the ongoing Chemmani mass grave investigation.

In a detailed three-page letter, ITAK raised concerns over the exhumation process in Jaffna and called for independent international forensic oversight, consolidation of legal cases from 1999 and 2025, and the return of remains currently held in Glasgow for further analysis.

The party emphasized that over 65 skeletons, including those of infants, have been recovered so far, affirming the scale of atrocities allegedly committed in the region. It reiterated the importance of forensic transparency, victim identification, and prosecution of perpetrators to enable national healing.

ITAK also called for the public release of all forensic reports and DNA findings and warned that symbolic reconciliation would remain hollow without legal accountability.

The letter was signed by senior party leaders C.V.K. Sivagnanam and M.A. Sumanthiran. (Newswire)

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The Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) has formed the Jaffna Municipal Council after securing a majority of votes. 

ITAK General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran said ITAK’s Vivekanandarajah Mathivathani was elected Mayor of the Jaffna Municipal Council. 

In a post on social media, he further said that she had secured 16/19 votes during the election for Mayor. (Newswire)

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The Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) says it has taken an unreserved official decision to support Opposition leader and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate MP Sajith Premadasa in the 2024 Presidential Election.

Taking to ‘X’, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M.A. Sumanthiran said that the ITAK’s decision announced on 1st September in Vavuniya remains unchanged. 

“That is the position of every member of our party including myself. There is absolutely no confusion with regard to that position,” MP Sumanthiran added. 

Last week, following its central committee meeting, ITAK announced that it will extend its support for MP Sajith Premadasa in the upcoming Presidential polls.

However, uncertainty has arisen after President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with ITAK Leader MP Mavai Senathirajah at his residence in Kankasanthurai, Jaffna last week.

Following the meeting, ITAK’s Senathirajah emphasized that President Ranil Wickremesinghe, expected to be elected as the president, carries a significant responsibility to address and resolve the longstanding issues faced by the Tamil community in the North.

However, MP Sumanthiran has clarified that the ITAK has taken an unreserved official decision to support MP Sajith Premadasa. (Newswire) 

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The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) says the party will announce which candidate it will support in the 2024 Presidential Election after the candidates unveil their policy statements.

The Central Committee of ITAK convened in Vavuniya on Sunday (Aug 18), with all its members attending the meeting.

A tense situation was also reported at the meeting after several members had shared various views on which candidate the party should extend its support to in the 2024 Presidential Election.

However, addressing the media, ITAK and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M.A.Sumanthiran said a decision on which candidate to support will be made upon the candidates revealing their policy statements. 

MP Sumanthiran said the ITAK has already held discussions with the three main presidential candidates, while talks had also been held with Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa. 

“Namal Rajapaksa himself had told that he was unsure of victory. The three main candidates are yet to unveil their policy statements. Therefore, we have decided that once the policy statements are presented, we will take a final decision on which candidate to support in the election,” MP Sumanthiran said. (Newswire) 

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Shanmugam Kugathasan of the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) took oaths as a Member of Parliament today.

Shanmugam Kugathasan was sworn in before Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena in Parliament. 

He fills the Parliamentary seat that was vacated following the demise of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) member and former Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan.

ITAK’s Shanmugam Kugathasan has been appointed as a Member of Parliament for the Trincomalee District. (Newswire)

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