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Sri Lanka has arrested a young Tamil father in Jaffna under draconian anti-terrorism laws, over a Facebook post.

Manoharan Kajendroopan, from Inuvil West, Chunnakam, has been arrested under the much criticised Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) reportedly detained Kajendroopan for uploading a photo of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran on Facebook. This arrest, which comes shortly after the commemoration of Maaveerar Naal, marks the first such detention under Sri Lanka’s anti-terrorism framework following the annual remembrance event.

The arrest comes despite Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s previous pledges to repeal the PTA, a piece of legislation that has been used as part of repressive state policies against Tamils.

The Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) has been heavily condemned for its lack of safeguards, allowing for prolonged detentions without charge, limited access to legal representation, and facilitating custodial abuses.

Kajendroopan’s arrest also underlines the pervasive surveillance and intimidation faced by Tamils, even in online spaces. Over the years, Sri Lankan authorities have increasingly monitored social media platforms, and this latest incident further raises concerns about the shrinking space for freedom of expression. Activists and human rights groups have repeatedly flagged such actions as emblematic of Sri Lanka’s repressive approach toward Tamil commemoration and identity.

Maaveerar Naal, which falls on November 27 each year, is a solemn day for Tamil communities worldwide, remembering those who gave their lives for Tamil liberation. Previous Sri Lankan governments have consistently attempted to suppress these commemorations. Tamil politicians, civil society groups, and even families of the deceased have faced intimidation and harassment for taking part in such events.

The arrest of Kajendroopan adds to a long history of state-led crackdowns during and after Maaveerar Naal.