Sri Lanka Police have issued a public statement defending the arrest of Tamil rapper Sangeethsan Ganeskumar amid growing criticism of the detention of the 24-year-old.
The artist, better known as HipHop Sangee, was arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) earlier this week.
In a media release issued on Thursday, the Police Media Division said the Jaffna Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau had launched an investigation following information received regarding the performance of songs allegedly promoting the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during a musical event held in Navatkuli, Chavakachcheri, on 31 May.
According to police, the investigation also examined the subsequent circulation of video clips from the event on social media platforms. The statement said that a 24-year-old resident of Udayanagar, Kilinochchi, was arrested on 2 June in connection with the incident.
Police alleged that further investigations revealed that two songs performed during the event had subsequently been edited and uploaded to the suspect's social media accounts.
Authorities claimed that the recordings had been intentionally modified to include content supportive of the LTTE and were then distributed online.
The statement added that the suspect's actions constituted an offence under Section 3(G) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act No. 48 of 1979.
He was produced before the Chavakachcheri Magistrate's Court on 3 June and remanded until 17 June.
The police statement also sought to address reports circulating online that suggested authorities had prohibited the performance of songs at musical events and entertainment programmes.
"Meanwhile, certain social media platforms have been circulating misleading reports suggesting that the Sri Lanka Police have prohibited the performance of songs at musical shows and entertainment events. The Sri Lanka Police wishes to categorically state that such reports are false and misleading."
Police further stated that citizens are required to act in accordance with Sri Lanka's Constitution and all applicable laws currently in force.
The statement comes as criticism continues to mount over the arrest, with lawyers, civil society organisations, artists and politicians questioning the use of anti-terror legislation against a musician.
The case has emerged amid broader concerns over the treatment of Tamil cultural expression in the North-East. In recent weeks, occupying Sri Lankan police have intervened in musical performances and questioned artists over homeland-themed songs, including summoning Gokulan, the son of the late Tamil musician S. G. Santhan, following a performance in Urumpirai.
Critics argue that the growing scrutiny of musicians, writers and performers reflects an ongoing attempt to criminalise Tamil cultural and political expression.