Residents, activists and elected representatives gathered in Valvettithurai on Monday to demand the release of Tamil rapper Sangeethsan Ganeskumar, despite threats, intimidation and surveillance by occupying Sri Lankan police ahead of the demonstration.
The protest, held under the slogan "Let Us Unite to Break the Chains Around Our Voices", called for the immediate release of the artist, who remains detained under Sri Lanka's Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), and renewed demands for the complete repeal of the controversial legislation.
The demonstration commenced at around 10 a.m. in Valvettithurai and drew the participation of local residents, civil society representatives, elected local government members and political activists from across the North-East.
Participants carried placards demanding justice for Sangeethsan and condemning the continued use of the PTA, which Tamil political parties, civil society organisations and international human rights groups have long criticised as a tool of repression disproportionately used against Tamils.
Throughout the demonstration, protesters chanted "We do not want the Prevention of Terrorism Act" and "Let Tamils live in peace", whilst denouncing the detention of the rapper and broader restrictions on Tamil political and cultural expression.
Organisers argued that Sangeethsan's arrest represented an attack on freedom of expression and questioned why a musician should face imprisonment under anti-terror legislation for artistic work.
The protest was attended by representatives of local civic organisations, members of the Valvettithurai and Point Pedro Urban Councils, Karaveddy Pradeshiya Sabha representatives, Valikamam East Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Thiyagarajah Nirosh and the council's Deputy Chairman, former parliamentarian Selvarajah Kajendren of the Tamil National People's Front, social activists and members of the public.
According to organisers, occupying Sri Lankan police sought to pressure participants before the event.
Local sources said the occupying forces in Valvettithurai summoned several social activists and youth organisers on Sunday and recorded statements regarding the planned demonstration. Participants alleged that officers warned them against proceeding with the protest and suggested they themselves could face arrest under the PTA.
Former Valvettithurai Urban Council Chairman Suren was also reportedly summoned for questioning by police on Monday morning prior to the demonstration.
Protesters further alleged that police officers and military intelligence personnel photographed and filmed participants throughout the gathering in what many viewed as an attempt to intimidate those attending.
Despite the reported pressure, organisers proceeded with the event, insisting that threats, surveillance and intimidation would not deter calls for justice.
The protest is the latest in a growing series of demonstrations demanding Sangeethsan's release.
The rapper, widely known as HipHop Sangee, was arrested earlier this month after authorities alleged that videos he uploaded to social media promoted the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He was subsequently remanded under the PTA until 17 June.
His detention has drawn widespread criticism from lawyers, artists, civil society organisations and Tamil political representatives, whilst protests demanding his release have also been held in Kilinochchi and elsewhere across the Tamil homeland.
The arrest comes amid increasing scrutiny of Tamil cultural expression in the North-East. In recent weeks, occupying Sri Lankan police have questioned musicians, intervened in performances and launched investigations into homeland-themed songs and artistic works linked to Tamil political history and collective memory.