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)
