Image Credit: Vartharajan Mathumegalan
‘The continued confiscation of Theepachelvan Piratheepan’s books is an act of censorship that strikes at the very heart of literary freedom. Writers must be free to write without fear that their work will be suppressed by state authorities. The withholding of books consisting largely of previously published interviews and commentary raises serious concerns about the use of national security justifications to restrict legitimate expression,’ said Germán Rojas, Chair of PEN International’s Writers for Peace Committee.
UPDATE
12 October 2026: The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has found that the continued seizure of two books by Tamil writer Theepachelvan Piratheepan violated his constitutional rights to freedom of expression, equality and non-discrimination, and to enjoy and promote his own culture and use his own language. In its recommendation issued on 12 October 2026, the HRCSL found that Sri Lanka Customs had failed to demonstrate that the books’ contents were likely to incite disaffection or hostility, and that their continued detention was unnecessary and disproportionate. It also found that the books had been treated with prejudice and suspicion because they were written in Tamil and criticised the authorities’ handling of the case as opaque and marked by indecision. The HRCSL recommended that Sri Lanka Customs immediately release all remaining copies of Ippothum Inge Irandu Thesangalthaan (Even Now There Are Two States) and Elluttal Nan Yuttam Ceykiren (I Am Waging a War with Words), which were seized in March 2026. PEN International welcomes the HRCSL’s findings and reiterates its call on Sri Lankan authorities to release the books without delay, end the use of national security and public order provisions to censor legitimate literary expression, and ensure that Tamil and other minority writers can publish and distribute their work without discrimination.
1 July 2026: PEN International is concerned by the continued seizure of copies of two books by award-winning Tamil writer Theepachelvan Piratheepan and calls on Sri Lankan authorities to release them without delay. The authorities must cease using vaguely defined national security and public order provisions to restrict literary expression and silence minority voices.
On 18 March 2026, Sri Lanka Customs seized a consignment of books by Theepachelvan Piratheepan, a Tamil writer and schoolteacher from Kilinochchi in northern Sri Lanka. The shipment contained five titles reprinted in India, including novels, essays, interviews, and collections of previously published newspaper columns.
Theepachelvan is a widely respected literary figure whose novels, poetry, essays, and non-fiction writings explore themes of war, memory, loss, reconciliation, and the lived experiences of communities affected by Sri Lanka’s decades-long civil conflict. Several of his works have been translated into Sinhala and English, helping foster dialogue across ethnic and linguistic divides.
Following public criticism, customs authorities released three of the books. However, two titles remain seized: Eluththaal Naan Yuddham Seikiren (I Am Waging a War with Words), a collection of interviews published between 2008 and 2024, and Ippoduthum Inge Irandu Thesangal (Even Now There Are Two States), a compilation of previously published newspaper columns.
According to customs authorities, the books were withheld following recommendations from the Ministry of Defence, the Sri Lanka Arts Council, and the State Literary Sub-Committee. Authorities have reportedly claimed that the books contain material falling under Section 120 of Sri Lanka’s Penal Code, a broadly worded provision concerning acts that may ‘excite feelings of disaffection’ toward the state.
The books in question consist largely of material that has already been published in Sri Lankan and international newspapers and media outlets over many years. No court has ruled that the contents are unlawful, and the authorities have not publicly provided a detailed justification for their continued detention.
The continued withholding of these books raises broader concerns about the treatment of Tamil-language literature in Sri Lanka. Reports indicate that other books by Tamil and Muslim writers have similarly been subjected to customs restrictions in recent years, including copies of the Quran, suggesting a troubling pattern of heightened scrutiny directed at minority voices and publications.
PEN International calls on the Sri Lankan authorities to release all remaining copies of Theepachelvan Piratheepan’s books currently held by Sri Lanka Customs; refrain from using national security, customs, or public order provisions to censor literary and journalistic works that do not incite violence; and guarantee that writers from all communities, including Tamil and Muslim writers, can publish, distribute, and discuss their work free from discrimination and undue state interference.
Note to editors:
For further details, contact Michael Rosen-Lupu, Head of Asia/Pacific Region at PEN International: [email protected]
For media queries, please contact Sabrina Tucci, Head of Communications and Campaigns at PEN International: [email protected]