Image of Kumanan from social media.
By Sunanda Deshapriya.
On Sunday, August 17, Tamil photojournalist Kanapathipillai Kumanan was interrogated for nearly seven hours by the Counter-Terrorism and Investigation Division (CTID) at the Alampil police station in Mullaitivu. The questioning, conducted by four officers, has drawn sharp criticism from media freedom advocates, who warn it sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom in Sri Lanka.
Local and international organizations—including the International Federation of Journalists—have condemned the interrogation as part of a broader campaign of surveillance and intimidation targeting Tamil media workers. “Using counter-terrorism laws to silence journalists is deeply concerning,” the IFJ stated. “This is part of a pattern of repression against Tamil and minority media, despite government promises to protect press freedom.”
Kumanan, known for documenting rights violations and militarization in the North and East, was summoned with his lawyer. He later posted online:
“I was interrogated for 6 hours and 45 minutes. They questioned my journalism, photography, social media, finances, phone records, and foreign travel. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received—it strengthens my resolve to continue reporting based on facts.”
His lawyer described the session as “a rigorous investigation,” noting that officers accessed Kumanan’s bank records without a court order—an act he called unlawful. He also highlighted the discriminatory treatment of Tamil journalists, pointing out that Sinhala writers in the South freely reference the LTTE without facing harassment.
This incident follows a year of escalating pressure. In October 2024, CTID officers visited Kumanan’s family home, claiming he was “working from abroad” to draw international attention to Tamil rights issues—despite him residing in Jaffna at the time. His family was forced to testify, and although a summons was promised, it only arrived ten months later.
A hartal was held across the North and East, on 18th Augu,st, protesting ongoing militarization. Organized by the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi and supported by the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and other Upcountry Tamil parties, the protest reflected growing discontent with the National People’s Power government.
Human rights advocates warn that this is not an isolated case. Tamil journalists continue to face harassment for covering sensitive issues such as disappearances, land seizures, and memorialization. The upcoming UN Human Rights Council report is expected to highlight these concerns.
This latest interrogation underscores the persistence of militarization and ethnic discrimination in the North and East—even under a new administration.