Writers and activists condemn seizure of Tamil-language publications as fears over censorship intensify
Sri Lanka Customs has detained two Tamil-language books authored by Kilinochchi-based writer Theepachelvan Piratheepan, sparking renewed criticism over censorship, freedom of expression and state scrutiny of Tamil political writing.
The books were part of a consignment of more than 360 copies of five titles printed in Tamil Nadu and shipped to Sri Lanka in March this year.
Customs officers seized the books on March 18, claiming the publications could threaten “national harmony” and national security.
According to The Examiner, suspicion from officials first arose after officers observed a map of Tamil Eelam on the cover of one of the books, alongside what Customs described as a “limited inspection of the contents”.
“Our officers are not experts in making decisions to this effect,” said Director General of Customs S. P. Arukgoda.
He explained that where Customs suspects a national security concern, the matter is referred to the Ministry of Defence, while issues relating to religious incitement are referred to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. “Without their input we could have made a decision. But we went one step ahead,” Arukgoda said, adding that Culture Minister Sunil Senevi had requested that the books also be referred to his ministry.
Following reviews by the Arts Council of Sri Lanka, the State Literary Panel and the Ministry of Defence, three books were eventually released.
However, two titles continue to be withheld.
The detained books are Eluththaal Naan Yuddham Seikiren (“I Am Waging a War with Words”), a compilation of interviews published between 2008 and the present, and Ippoduthum Inge Irandu Thesangal (“Even Now There Are Two States”), a collection of political columns.
According to Customs, the books contain material deemed punishable under Section 120 of Sri Lanka’s Penal Code, read alongside Schedule B of the Customs Ordinance. Section 120 relates to “disaffection” against the government and has long been criticised by rights advocates for its broad wording and potential for abuse.
The Ministry of Defence has not publicly explained how the books were determined to be a threat to national security.
Theepachelvan rejected the allegations and stated that the books reflect lived experiences, political realities and the post-war condition of Tamils rather than promoting division.
“The purpose of my writing is to document hidden or unspoken truths and to preserve memory,” he said.
Speaking to Ceylon Today, the author explained that the two detained books were not new works but compilations of previously pubgehalished material.
“Eluththaal Naan Yuddham Seikiren is the title of a compilation of all my interviews that were published in Sri Lanka across various Newspapers in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. Even Ceylon Today had reproduced one of my interviews. These interviews were conducted with both local and Indian Newspapers, and some were also published in Indian media outlets.”
“All of these are my earlier interviews, many of which were covered by different journalists. They reflect my personal life and experiences, which is why I chose the title Waging War with Words — to express a struggle through literature and writing.”
“The second book is a collection of all my Columns that were previously published in various Newspapers in Sri Lanka. These compilations are intended both as a personal record and for readers’ reference.”
“They do not refer to any literal ‘two-State’ concept or promote disharmony among communities. There is nothing in these two books that conveys such ideas or intentions.”
The author further noted that the books released by Customs, including Bayangaravathi (“Terrorist”), Cyanide and Nadugal (“Tombstone”), had already circulated widely in Sri Lanka and were available in Tamil bookshops.
Theepachelvan, born and raised in Kilinochchi, said his writing has consistently centred on war, loss, memory and oppression.
“The experiences of war, loss, memory, and oppression are at the core of my work. Those experiences are what shaped me as a writer,” he said.
His works have previously been translated into Sinhala, including Nadugal, which he said received a strong response among Sinhala readers.
“My first novel, Nadugal, was translated into Sinhala by G G Sarath Ananda. The novel received an overwhelming response among Sinhala readers.”
The continued detention of the books has triggered criticism from writers, activists and civil society groups, who argue that Customs lacks the mandate to assess literary or political content.
Several protests have been organised across the Tamil homeland condemning the seizure, including a demonstration in Kilinochchi on April 28 attended by ITAK parliamentarian Sivagnanam Shritharan.
Reflecting on the broader climate for writers and journalists in Sri Lanka, Theepachelvan said:
“In the past, many journalists in Sri Lanka have been killed. Even Sinhala writers and journalists who spoke out for the rights of Tamils have been forced to leave the country. Despite all these experiences, the situation continues in much the same way even today.”
“In Sri Lanka, although Governments change, the reality on the ground remains largely unchanged — this has been the enduring experience of media freedom in the country.”