Sit-in Protest in Batticaloa in Solidarity with ‘Pillayan’ Hunger Strike

20-Apr-2026

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A symbolic sit-in protest was held on April 17 in front of Gandhi Park in Batticaloa in support of the hunger strike by former State Minister and leader of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan (Pillayan).

Participants held placards and wore black armbands demanding that the prison authorities transfer Chandrakanthan to an appropriate prison and ensure adequate facilities for him as a remand detainee.

Protesters stated that prisoners are also human beings and called for basic rights and prison facilities to be provided. They urged authorities, including the President and Prison Commissioner, to intervene.

Chandrakanthan, a former Eastern Province Chief Minister and Deputy Minister, is currently in detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act in connection with multiple cases, including the disappearance of Eastern University Vice-Chancellor Ravindranath and the Easter Sunday bomb attacks.