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)

The post Shanakiyan raises PTA concerns and Hiphop singer’s arrest with EU official in Brussels appeared first on Newswire.

MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam alleged that Provincial Council elections are being deliberately delayed, citing the government’s failure to nominate members to a Parliamentary Select Committee.

The Select Committee, appointed to consider matters relating to Provincial Council elections, was announced on January 6, 2026. Opposition parties subsequently submitted the names of their nominees.

However, one month after the committee’s announcement, the government has yet to nominate its eight members, preventing the committee from being constituted and from commencing its work, Rasamanickam alleged.

Opposition representatives claim that the delay amounts to deliberate inaction aimed at postponing Provincial Council elections.

They have called on the government to appoint its nominees without further delay to enable the committee to proceed. (Newswire)

The post Shanakiyan alleges deliberate delaying of Provincial Council elections appeared first on Newswire.

MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has called for an independent investigation into the death of 23-year-old Sivanesharasha Rinoshan, who died while in custody following his arrest over an alleged bicycle theft.

Rinoshan, a resident of Sinna Uppodai, Batticaloa, had been arrested by the Batticaloa Headquarters Police on December 2.

According to the MP, his family last saw him at the station that evening, where he appeared unharmed. However, when he was produced in court the next day, they allege he showed signs of having been assaulted.

In a social media post, MP Rasamanickam says that after being remanded, Rinoshan was transferred from prison to hospital on December 5 and later died.

Police have attributed the death to illness allegedly linked to the use of synthetic drugs, while the family claims police brutality.

“This is not the first such incident in Batticaloa,” Rasamanickam said, urging for an inquiry independent of the Batticaloa Police.

“When someone is arrested, the State is responsible for their life, safety, and dignity. No allegation — especially one as minor as bicycle theft — justifies a death in custody,” Rasamanickam added.

He also called for the immediate release of the post-mortem report. (Newswire)

The post Shanakiyan calls for probe into death of Batticaloa detainee appeared first on Newswire.

Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe today rejected an allegation by MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam that he had met a businessman at the Kingsbury Hotel to discuss a questionable distillery licence.

Raising a privilege issue in Parliament, Deputy Minister Abeysinghe said his parliamentary privileges had been violated by MP Rasamanickam’s remarks and urged the Speaker to take appropriate action.

“As public officials, we often meet investors and individuals interested in potential investments on a daily basis. The discussion referred to by MP Rasamanickam never took place, and I have never received such a letter. I urge members not to use Parliament to popularise material that appears on YouTube,” he said.

The Deputy Minister added that he entered politics to end “deal-making” and ensure transparency. “We not only protect the integrity of this institution but also direct anyone with business interests to the relevant authorities,” he said.

Responding to the statement, MP Rasamanickam questioned whether the Deputy Minister’s remarks were a personal statement or a matter that should be referred to the Privileges Committee.

“I urged the government to investigate this matter, examine the CCTV footage, and review the relevant letter. The Deputy Minister must not avoid accountability by issuing personal statements,” MP Rasamanickam said.

The exchange followed an allegation made earlier this week by MP Rasamanickam, claiming that Deputy Minister Abeysinghe and MP Najith Indika had met a businessman at the Kingsbury Hotel to discuss a distillery licence under questionable circumstances. (Newswire)

The post Deputy Minister rejects allegation over distillery licence meeting at Colombo hotel appeared first on Newswire.

Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has slammed the National People’s Power (NPP) for helping the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) to establish power in the Vakarai Pradeshiya Sabha. 

The TMVP is headed by former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias ‘Pillayan’, who remains detained in connection with the 2006 abduction and disappearance of a university vice chancellor in the Eastern Province.

Taking to ‘X’, MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam accused the NPP of supporting Pillayan’s party to secure the Vakarai Pradeshiya Sabha. 

“Today’s events at the Vakarai council have made it clear that the NPP lacks consistent principles or policies. NPP members supported the candidate from Pillayan’s TMVP, helping them secure the Chairman position, defeating the ITAK candidate,” MP Shanakiyan said. (Newswire)

The post Shanakiyan slams NPP for supporting Pillayan’s TMVP in Vakarai PS appeared first on Newswire.