A special discussion between the Attorney General and the Inspector General of Police is scheduled to take place this afternoon (9) to determine the next legal and procedural steps regarding the recent arrest of a youth in Kilinochchi under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), Deputy Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala told Parliament.
Wijepala said the Government expected to take appropriate action following the outcome of the meeting.
The arrest relates to a 24-year-old man who was taken into custody under the PTA over allegations that he performed songs associated with the LTTE and later shared the recordings on social media during a musical show held in Navatkuli, Chavakachcheri on 31 May.
The suspect, identified as Ganesh Kumar Sangeethan of Udayanagar, Kilinochchi, was remanded until 17 June by the court.
Addressing concerns over the arrest, Wijepala stressed that while the Government would not permit any activity that promotes or glorifies the LTTE, people in the Northern Province remain free to commemorate deceased relatives and loved ones.
He said the Government had consistently maintained that activities promoting the LTTE would not be allowed, but emphasised that there were no restrictions on civilians engaging in remembrance events for family members who had passed away.
Providing further clarification on the arrest, the Deputy Minister said the youth had been taken into custody over allegations relating to the performance of a song linked to the LTTE and the subsequent publication of the recording on Facebook.
The Government’s response comes amid growing debate over the use of the PTA in the case and calls for a review of the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
