10 December 2024 | Vol. 10, #225

FrontPage sheds light on the different realities between Sri Lanka's two main language communities. By reading today's FrontPage, you can be better informed about the different priorities in the Sinhala and Tamil press.

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” title_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”#a52222″ custom_padding=”8px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_heading][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”Tamil Headlines” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h4″ title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#a52222″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_heading][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”230.3px” custom_padding=”22px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Virakesari: “Conspiracy to put the government in trouble” – Wasantha Samarasinghe
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Thinakaran: “Justice cannot be ensured to the citizens if those responsible for enforcing them fail to implement them properly” – President | Pictorial: A woman purchases rice at a shop after rice arrives at the market [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Thinakkural: Criminal charges against Ranil over cancelling Local Government Election? | Government should not play with the farmers; the hidden rice should be recovered[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Thamilan: “(Bar) permits were not issued on a political basis” – Ranil Wickremesinghe | No bonus for CEB employees this time too – Board of Directors decides | Indian ship with rice to reach Colombo | Prices of food items to increase![/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”Sinhala Headlines” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h4″ title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#a52222″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_heading][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”230.3px” custom_padding=”22px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

Lankadeepa: Lohan apologises to the lawyer in court; a promise to pay Rs. 1 million as well | The dysfunctional PUCSL; only the chair remains; electricity prices also stuck | An assembled lorry found on Wijayamuni’s land | The date for pensions to be received  

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Divaina: ‘Podi Lassi’ granted bail; the request made by lawyers to provide protection to the suspect, dismissed 

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Ada: “Cannot reduce the prices of cakes for Christmas and the New Year” – Chair of the All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association, N.K. Jayawardene | No bonuses to be awarded for CEB employees; Rs. 112 from the income had been spent on repaying a loan  [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

Mawbima: “A loan of Rs. 112 billion was paid: no bonuses for CEB employees” – CEB states; (Ranjan) Jayalal remains silent while receiving 50 calls | Fraudulent doctor who sold rented luxury vehicles caught from Nugegoda; an RMV officer who assisted him has disappeared 

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Dinamina: “45 out of 89 bribery cases assigned in 2022 withdrawn; the reasons why investigating officers are not witnesses in cases should be revealed to the people” – President | Pictorial: rice arrives at the market  

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Aruna: “Preparations to export coconuts even though there are no coconuts for the consumption of the public; the government must intervene in the issue” – The Jana Aragala Sandhanaya | Cyber child abuse has increased due to the use of the Telegram app; young girls said to be the most frequent victims[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

Anidda: This paper is published on Fridays only

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” title_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”#a52222″ custom_padding=”8px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_heading][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image title_text=”Tamil” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” src=”https://mediastaging.veriteresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Tamil-6.jpg” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Photo credits: Lanka Truth [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#a52222″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

“Conspiracy to put the government in trouble” – Wasantha Samarasinghe

Virakesari

Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe claimed that those who lost in elections are conspiring to put the government in trouble.

He added that there is a political conspiracy behind the rice shortage in the country. He further added that the government will defeat all conspiracies through laws.

He made these remarks while responding to queries on the shortage of rice and coconuts.

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“Seven parties secured a single seat while a single party secured 8 seats” – Gnanamuththu Srineshan

Thinakkural 

Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) MP Gnanamuththu Srineshan claimed that the ITAK has secured 8 seats in parliament as a single party while the other 7 Tamil parties were able to secure only one seat.

He added that the Democratic Tamil National Alliance’s (DTNA’s) invitation to the ITAK to join as the 8th party of the alliance cannot be accepted.

He further added that the number of parties in the alliance is not important but the vote strength matters. 

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A stalemate continues within the SJB over the national list 

Thinakaran 

National Organiser of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Tissa Attanayake claimed that there are issues in making decisions on selecting names for the national list of the party.

He added that the SJB got 5 national list seats in the last general election.

He further added that discussions are underway to resolve these issues.

He also noted that the party should be restructured to win the hearts of the people.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” title_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”#a52222″ custom_padding=”8px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_heading][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image title_text=”Sinhala” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” src=”https://mediastaging.veriteresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sinhala-8.jpg” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Photo credits: Ada Derana[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#a52222″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

Former CCD chief arrested 

Lankadeepa, Divaina, Ada, Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna 

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested the former Director of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Neville Silva yesterday (9th).

The arrest was made at the Police Field Force Headquarters following an interview with Silva regarding an ongoing investigation.

The investigation stems from a complaint that was made in 2023 and shows that Silva had allegedly been linked to unlawful detentions and abductions.  

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Lohan apologises to the lawyer in court; a promise to pay Rs. 1 million as well 

Lankadeepa, Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna 

Colombo Additional Magistrate Mohammad Rizwan ordered the release on bail of former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, who was arrested by the Kollupitiya Police in connection with a road accident.

Ratwatte, who was produced in court for allegedly threatening and abusing a lawyer who had been travelling in the vehicle that was hit by the former MP, informed the court that he seeks to apologise to the lawyer who was allegedly threatened by him.

The legal team appearing for him informed the court of this and the court subsequently ordered the release of Lohan Ratwatte on two surety bonds of Rs. 1 million each.

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56% growth recorded this year in comparison to last year in the tourism industry – CBSL 

Dinamina

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) indicates that the income earned by Sri Lanka from the tourism industry this year has grown by 56% compared to last year.

Accordingly, up to November of this year, Sri Lanka has earned an income of USD 2,806.5 million from tourism, which is a growth of 56% compared to the same period last year.

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“[The government] gained a profit of Rs. 3.1 billion within nine months from issuing bar licenses; bar licenses were only issued to applicants approved by the Excise Commissioner General” – Wickremesinghe 

Lankadeepa, Divaina, Ada, Mawbima, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakkural, Thamilan

The office of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued a statement claiming that the former President did not issue any liquor licenses in violation of the rules and regulations of the Excise Department.

Additionally, the statement highlighted that the government has received a revenue of over Rs. 3.1 billion during the first nine months of this year as a result of the issuance of new liquor licenses during Wickremesinghe’s tenure as the president.

The statement stressed the legitimacy of the procedure followed in granting the liquor licenses, adding that they were verified through the recommendations made in the letter forwarded by the Election Commission to the Commissioner General of Excise on 19 August 2024.

The statement was issued in response to the allegations made in parliament by Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake that the former President had issued liquor licenses as political bribes.

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“Retrieve the Rs. 720 million that was spent on the LG election from the former leaders that postponed it” – Alahapperuma

Divaina, Ada, Mawbima, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakkural, Thamilan  

Chair of the Freedom People’s Congress and Executive Committee Member of Samagi Jana Sandhanaya Dullas Alahapperuma criticised the decision to annul the nominations for the Local Government (LG) elections, initially called 22 months ago, and to schedule new elections.

In a letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Alahapperuma condemned former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s decision to postpone the local government elections in January 2023.

He emphasised that the delay resulted in the loss of over Rs. 720 million of public funds, money which he clarified was taxpayer money, not the personal wealth of politicians.

Alahapperuma accordingly requested the government that the money thus spent from public funds must be retrieved.

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Common priorities: Additional stories

1. “45 out of 89 bribery cases assigned in 2022 withdrawn; the reasons why investigating officers are not witnesses in cases should be revealed to the people” – President – Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina, Thinakaran, Thamilan 

2. Director of the Jaffna Hospital lodges complaint with the police that MP Archchuna wreaked havoc at the Jaffna Hospital – Lankadeepa, Ada, Dinamina, Virakesari, Thinakaran

3. Cases filed against 949 that have not submitted expenditure statements – Divaina, Mawbima, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakkural

4. A woman dies after being hit by MP Gajendrakumar’s jeep  – Lankadeepa, Divaina, Dinamina, Thinakaran

5. “A loan of Rs. 112 billion was paid: no bonuses for CEB employees” – CEB states; (Ranjan) Jayalal remains silent while receiving 50 calls  – Lankadeepa, Ada, Mawbima, Aruna, Thamilan

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