Rights panel orders release of seized Tamil-language books by author Piratheepan

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has ruled that the prolonged confiscation of two Tamil-language publications by author B. Piratheepan constitutes a violation of his fundamental rights. In its findings under Case No. HRC/KIL/031/26, the Commission examined the decision by Sri Lanka Customs' Director General to retain the books and determined the action was not justified.

The Commission has recommended that the seized materials be released without further delay. The ruling addresses concerns over the seizure of literary works and the rights of authors and publishers in Sri Lanka.

The case underscores ongoing tensions regarding the importation and distribution of Tamil-language materials in Sri Lanka, with civil society organizations frequently raising concerns about restrictions placed on cultural and literary content. The HRCSL's intervention represents a significant determination on the limits of Customs authority over published works.

The recommendation follows the Commission's examination of the legal grounds cited by Customs for the seizure. The findings are expected to influence how authorities handle similar cases involving literary materials in the future.