17 January 2025 | Vol. 11, #8

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.

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Dear subscriber, we regret to inform you that the Common Priorities section and the Tamil Press Priorities section will not be published in today’s issue of FrontPage owing to unavoidable circumstances. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and are always available should you have any queries.

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Sinhala Headlines

 

Lankadeepa: Advanced level paper marking centre shut down after teachers arrive in dresses; police deployed to manage tensions; “We had informed teachers they must wear saree” – Commissioner General of Examinations

Divaina: ‘Podi Lassie’, who fled to India after being granted bail, arrested in Mumbai | Shooting near Mannar Magistrate’s Court: two dead, two critically injured

Ada: Two fatalities in shooting outside Mannar Magistrate’s Court

Mawbima: ‘Podi Lassie’ apprehended in India after avoiding court | A hail of bullets outside Mannar Magistrate’s Court: two killed, two critically injured

Dinamina: USD 3.7 billion secured for the oil refinery in Hambantota: A significant investment from China; agreement signed between Sri Lanka’s Energy Ministry
and Sinopec | “China will support the government’s ‘A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life’ programme” – Chinese premier assures President Anura

Aruna: Two shootings yesterday: Two killed near Mannar Magistrate’s Court; one narrowly escapes death in a shooting near a Kalubowila school

Anidda: Sri Lanka backs China’s ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative; affirms Taiwan as part of China

 

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SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES

 

Photo credits: Siyatha News

China to support the government’s ‘A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life’ programme; USD 3.7 billion secured for the oil refinery in Hambantota

Anidda, Dinamina, Mawbima, Divaina, Lankadeepa, Ada, Aruna

During a meeting held yesterday (16th) in Beijing, Chinese Premier Li Qiang expressed China’s strong support for Sri Lanka’s efforts to achieve its vision of ‘A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life’ for its citizens. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to providing extensive assistance for Sri Lanka’s economic development. This meeting was part of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s four-day state visit to China.

Anidda reports that Sri Lanka has agreed to endorse China’s ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative and to recognise Taiwan as part of China.

The visit also saw Sri Lanka reach a significant milestone, securing its largest foreign direct investment to date. Yesterday Sri Lanka’s Energy Ministry signed an agreement with Sinopec, a leading Chinese petroleum corporation, for a USD 3.7 billion investment to build a state-of-the-art oil refinery in the Hambantota region.

‘Podi Lassie’ arrested in Mumbai

Dinamina, Mawbima, Divaina, Aruna, Lankadeepa, Ada

Prominent drug trafficker and organised criminal Arumahandi Janith Madushanka Silva, also known
as ‘Podi Lassie’ was arrested in Mumbai, India yesterday (16th). Police Media Spokesperson Buddhika Manatunga confirmed that Silva had been previously held in remand custody but was released on bail by the Balapitiya Magistrate’s Court on December 9, 2024. As part of the bail conditions a travel ban was imposed until the next court hearing. However, Sri Lankan authorities were informed that Silva had violated these conditions and fled the country illegally to India. Upon receiving this information, the acting IGP sought assistance from Indian authorities via Interpol, leading to Silva’s arrest.
SJB-UNP talks are unofficial

Anidda

Anidda reports that discussions about a potential merger and collaboration between the Sajith Premadasa-led SJB and the Ranil Wickremesinghe-led UNP are not yet official. Sources indicate that the talks are being led by individuals from both parties who have long advocated for unity between them. However, these discussions are not formal negotiations endorsed by the parties themselves.

All Ceylon Tamil Congress leads proposal from the North for a new constitution

Anidda

In line with the government’s pledge to create a new constitution, Leader of the All Ceylon Tamil Congress Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam has called for Northern political parties to formulate a proposal for a new constitution. This move seeks to reflect the interests and perspectives of the Tamil community in the constitutional process.
Opposition seeks greater
representation in parliamentary
committees

Anidda

MP Gayantha Karunathilleka has called for an expansion of opposition representation in parliamentary committees. In a response to
Anidda’s inquiry, Karunathilleka revealed that opposition leaders have previously met with the president and the Speaker to push for more
opposition appointments to crucial committees such as the Committee on Public Enterprises and the Committee on Public Accounts.

 

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