Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) parliamentarian S. Shritharan has written to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake calling for the release of Tamil rapper Ganeshkumar Sangeethsan, who remains detained under Sri Lanka's Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
The appeal comes amid growing criticism of Sangeethsan's arrest from Tamil political parties, civil society organisations, artists and human rights groups, who have raised concerns over freedom of expression and the continued use of the controversial legislation against Tamils.
In his letter to Dissanayake, Shritharan said the arrest of the Kilinochchi-born artist had caused "deep disappointment and pain" among Tamils and argued that Sangeethsan had used music to express the historical suffering, losses and emotions of his people.
According to the parliamentarian, many viewed the detention as another example of the obstacles faced by Tamils in exercising freedom of expression in Sri Lanka.
Shritharan further stated that the arrest was particularly disappointing because it had taken place under a National People's Power (NPP) administration that had secured support on promises of democracy, equality and justice.
He argued that actions such as these risk undermining public confidence in those commitments and weakening trust in the government's pledges of reform.
The ITAK MP also highlighted what he described as inconsistencies in the application of the law, noting that representatives of the current administration had previously sought electoral support in contexts where references to the Tamil armed struggle, commemorations and related songs were present.
"It is an undeniable historical fact that, during previous parliamentary elections, representatives of the current National People's Power (NPP) sought the support of voters in settings where songs, commemorations, political symbols, and other references associated with the Tamil armed struggle were visible.”
According to Shritharan, the consequences of Sangeethsan's detention extend far beyond his immediate loss of liberty.
The letter states that the arrest is affecting the artist's future education, career, social life and creative pursuits, whilst placing immense emotional and economic strain on his family.
Calling for direct presidential intervention, Shritharan urged Dissanayake to act on humanitarian grounds and in the interests of reconciliation and equal justice.
He appealed for Sangeethsan's release through the Sri Lankan president's constitutional powers, arguing that such a move would help restore confidence in the justice system and strengthen democratic values and reconciliation efforts.
The appeal follows a prison visit by Shritharan on Monday, during which he met the detained rapper.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, the parliamentarian stated that Dissanayake possessed the authority to secure the artist's release through a presidential pardon or an act of clemency and said such action could be taken swiftly.
He added that efforts were also underway to secure a meeting with Dissanayake regarding the matter.
Sangeethsan, also known as Hip Hop Sangeeth, was arrested under the PTA over allegations linked to songs he had released and shared online. He was subsequently remanded as investigations continue.
His detention has sparked protests across the Tamil homeland, including demonstrations in Kilinochchi, Valvettithurai and Vavuniya, with participants demanding his immediate release and calling for the repeal of the PTA.
The case has also renewed scrutiny of a law long criticised by Tamil political parties, rights organisations and international observers. For decades, the PTA has been used disproportionately against Tamils and has been repeatedly condemned for enabling prolonged detention and the suppression of political, cultural and artistic expression.