A protest was held today (10) in front of the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo opposing the decision to remand 24-year-old Tamil musician Ganesh Kumar Sangeethan from Udayanagar West, Kilinochchi, for 14 days
The demonstration, organized by a coalition of political and civil society activists, called for the protection of freedom of expression and raised concerns over the use of Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
Protesters emphasized that the PTA, which they argued has been used to restrict freedom of speech and expression, should be repealed. They also urged authorities to withdraw a proposed new law intended to replace the PTA, claiming that it could similarly undermine fundamental rights and civil liberties.
Participants at the protest highlighted the importance of safeguarding democratic freedoms, particularly the right to free speech and artistic expression. They argued that individuals should not face detention or legal action for expressing cultural, political, or social views through creative works.
The demonstration was attended by political representatives, civil society organizations, and rights activists who called on the government to ensure that freedom of expression remains protected under the law.
Photos: Ajith Seneviratne
