Jaffna District National People's Power (NPP) parliamentarian Ilankumaran has come under criticism after issuing a series of statements on the arrest of Tamil rapper Sangeethsan Ganeskumar under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), with critics pointing to what they describe as contradictory positions on the case.
The controversy comes as pressure continues to mount on the government over the detention of the artist, better known as HipHop Sangee, who was arrested and remanded under the PTA following allegations that material shared on social media promoted the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
In remarks to the media, Ilankumaran addressed allegations made by opposition politicians that he had previously shared National People's Power (NPP) campaign songs containing content that glorified the LTTE.
Rejecting responsibility for the material, the parliamentarian said the songs had not been published by him and had appeared independently on social media platforms.
He also challenged claims that LTTE-glorifying songs had been shared through his Facebook page and called on those making the allegations to produce evidence.
Addressing the detention of Sangeethsan, Ilankumaran reiterated his opposition to the PTA, stating that the legislation had historically been responsible for numerous acts of oppression against people, despite the use of it by his government.
At the same time, however, he maintained that the rapper's case was now before the courts and said any decision regarding his release would depend on the outcome of the legal process and ongoing investigations.
The MP further stated that if authorities sought to extend Sangeethsan's detention under the PTA, such an extension would require the approval of Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
In a separate written statement issued later, Ilankumaran again expressed concern over the arrest but argued that the controversy had also drawn wider public attention to the young artist's work.
“For some defeated politicians, the arrest of a young singer in today’s political climate may have brought a sense of satisfaction. However, for us, it is not a matter of joy; it is a matter of deep concern and sadness.”
He went on to suggest that many people had only begun paying attention to Sangeethsan's music following his detention.
“It is only after his arrest that many people have begun speaking about this young artist. Those who had previously paid little attention to his talent and creative work are now coming forward to express their opinions about him. At the very least, the fact that his talent has now come to public attention offers some consolation.”
“It is my view that, in situations where artists express their feelings through music, appropriate legal reforms should be considered in the future to ensure that they are not unfairly affected or penalized for their artistic expression.”
He also highlighted what he described as the lack of recognition afforded to artists in the North-East.
“There are many talented singers, musicians, and actors in the Northern and Eastern regions. However, they often do not receive the recognition and rewards they deserve. Some have their talents overlooked, while others see their creative works used by others for financial gain. Meanwhile, genuine talent is too often denied meaningful opportunities for advancement.”
Returning to the issue of public attention generated by the arrest, Ilankumaran added:
“Today, it is only because of this arrest that public attention has turned toward this singer. But we must also reflect on how many people listened to his songs before this incident, and how many truly recognized and appreciated his talent.”
The remarks come as criticism continues to mount over the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act against the rapper. The arrest of HipHop Sangee has become one of the most controversial cases involving Tamil artistic expression in recent years.
The case has prompted protests across the Tamil homeland, including a demonstration in Kilinochchi this week where civil society organisations, political activists and members of the public demanded the rapper's immediate release.
It comes amid growing concern over the increasing scrutiny of Tamil cultural expression in the North-East. In recent weeks, occupying Sri Lankan police have questioned musicians, interrupted performances and launched investigations into homeland-themed songs and artistic works connected to Tamil political history and identity.