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DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: “Anaiya Deepam” (Imperishable Lamp) lit in Chemmani as symbol of unyielding call for justice | UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk arrives in Sri Lanka; meeting with Tamil parties tomorrow, Chemmani mass grave visit also planned | Russia announces support for Iran as Israel-Iran clash enters eleventh day | “International supervision needed in mass grave excavations” – Sumanthiran urges Geneva High Commissioner’s office officials | “On the initiative to bring back Sri Lankans trapped in the Middle East tension” – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra Thinakaran: Middle East crisis: Sri Lanka deeply concerned – urges international community to restore peace | “Stop conflicts before Middle East turns into an abyss” – Pope appeals to global leaders | UN High Commissioner for Human Rights will speak with President and Prime Minister | Sri Lankans to be evacuated if Middle East conflicts worsen; resolution seeks Indian aid and international cooperation | Deshabandu Tennakoon has appeared for inquiry | “Anyone can visit the Chemmani mass grave – no restrictions” – Minister Vijitha Herath | US advises those in the Middle East to act cautiously | No one should hoard fuel unnecessarily; supply will be provided only according to government orders |
Thinakkural: Justice for Jaffna Chemmani mass grave: “Anaiya Vilakku” (Imperishable Lamp) protest begins with fasting and signature collection | UN High Commissioner for Human Rights arrives in Colombo | “We are seeking the support of the UN Commissioner” – People urge at “Anaiya Vilakku” (Imperishable Lamp) protest | Former military officers attempt to meet the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, demanding that the government publish a response to British sanctions | Diplomatic intervention is needed in Iran-Israel issue, Opposition Leader Sajith [Premadasa] calls on Security Council to meet immediately Thamilan: “Anaiya Deepam” (Imperishable Lamp) lit in Chemmani: Major uprising in the North and East | Court of Appeal stays Wanathawilluwa Pradeshiya Sabha inaugural meeting | Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) takes control of Trincomalee Municipal Council; Kandasamy Selvarajah appointed as the mayor | UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk arrives in the country | Tensions in the Middle East: Sri Lanka urges to intensify diplomatic efforts | Harshana Suriyapperuma becomes Secretary to the Ministry of Finance | 30 prisoners released, special investigation launched – Police advise CID |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: “The CID refused to arrest Harak Kata’s followers, which is why the police investigation was given to the CCD” – Deshabandu tells the Commission | Iran attacks three US Army camps in Qatar: runway also temporarily closed | Warrants issued to arrest Sajin Vass Divaina: If Hormuz closes down… every moment is crucial now: “we will respond to the US in our own time” – Iran states; be alert! – US State Department warns Americans; fuel prices in Asia increase with attacks on Iran; the US also in crisis due to fuel price increase | The fate of several other local governments solved amidst heated conflict: Kalutara, Matale and six others to NPP; Hambantota, Buttala, and Angunakolapelessa to SJB; the opposition walks out; Deraniyagala election postponed without finalisation of tallying Ada: Five tonnes of ‘ice’ and heroin confiscated within five months: “[this mission] has received 100% more progress in raids than the exhibitionistic missions in the past few years” – Ananda Wijepala | “No matter what verdict the investigation committee gives, according to my conscience, I have done nothing wrong; it is clear that the investigations recommenced due to political reasons” – Deshabandu |
Mawbima: What are the steps that will be taken against the doctor who provided false reports regarding Johnston’s back ache to the court? | Specialist doctors ask the minister how to prescribe medicine that is not available at the hospital Dinamina: Did not pay Rs. 36.9 million in income tax: arrest Sajin Vass immediately – Court issues warrant | CIABOC questions Avant Garde chief for five hours | Do not let Iran close down the Hormuz strait – US requests China Aruna: A risk of fuel prices increasing due to the Iran-Israel war; the US also warns | “No changes to the price of fuel within the country” – CEYPETCO Anidda: This paper is published on Fridays only |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Tamil Guardian
“We are seeking the support of the UN Commissioner”: “Anaiya Deepam” (Imperishable Lamp) lit in Chemmani, demanding justice for the missing; Peace rallies to continue until tomorrow
Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thamilan
A powerful protest titled “Anaiya Deepam” (Imperishable Lamp) was launched on Sunday (23) in Chemmani, Jaffna, calling for justice for victims buried in the Chemmani mass grave and urging international attention to unresolved human rights violations in the North and East.
The peaceful protest, organised by the People’s Action Organisation and led by legal expert Vaishnavi Shanmuganathan, saw the participation of religious leaders, political representatives, civil society members, and families of the disappeared, including relatives of Krishanthi Kumaraswamy, who was killed in 1996.
The protest began at 10:10 a.m. and will continue until Wednesday (25). Protesters laid flowers and lit symbolic lamps in tribute, demanding justice and accountability.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has arrived in Sri Lanka, marking the first visit by a UN Rights Chief since 2016. His visit comes amid growing international scrutiny of Sri Lanka’s human rights situation. He is expected to travel to Jaffna and Trincomalee on Wednesday (25), with a possible visit to the Chemmani mass grave and meetings with Tamil MPs S. Shritharan and R. Shanakiyan.
Protest leader Vaishnavi Shanmuganathan urged Tamil communities and civil society to rally support and highlight unresolved cases of disappearances.
In solidarity with the Chemmani protest, a torchlight rally was held in Batticaloa on Sunday night, reinforcing the demand for truth, justice, and international accountability.
Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) takes control of Trincomalee Municipal Council; Kandasamy Selvarajah appointed as the mayor
Thinakkural, Thamilan Kandasamy Selvarajah, representing the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK), was elected mayor of the newly upgraded Trincomalee Municipal Council during its inaugural session held on June 23. The session, presided over by Eastern Provincial Local Government Commissioner A.L.M. Azmi, featured an open vote as all 25 council members requested transparency. Selvarajah secured 19 votes, defeating Baduge Danushka Jayalath of the National People’s Power, who received 6 votes. Meanwhile, Mohamed Mausoom of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress was unanimously elected Deputy Mayor. The election took place amid the absence of any party holding a 50 per cent quorum, prompting a competitive but peaceful vote for council leadership. |
“Sri Lankans to be repatriated if Middle East conflicts worsen; resolution to seek Indian aid and contact international organisations”– Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra
Virakesari, Thinakaran Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra said the Ministry is deeply concerned about Sri Lankans affected by Middle East conflicts and is arranging their safe return. The government is coordinating with embassies in Iran, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, India, and the UAE to ensure safe exit routes, flights, and expedited visas. A major part of the effort is cooperation with India’s Operation Sindh, which provides flight seats and logistical support. The Ministry also works with international organisations to coordinate these efforts. Embassies advise Sri Lankans to submit travel documents early to avoid delays. Currently, 41 Sri Lankans remain in Iran, with some departing and others preparing to leave from various locations. The Ministry remains committed to the safety of Sri Lankans abroad, working closely with the Overseas Employment Bureau and other agencies. |
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
What are the steps that will be taken against the doctor who provided false reports regarding Johnston’s back ache to the court?
Mawbima, Dinamina
The Sri Lanka Medical Council informed the court yesterday (23rd) that a medical doctor who allegedly issued medical certificates under a false letterhead stating that former Minister Johnston Fernando was ill (back ache) during the hearing of a case filed in the Colombo High Court (HC) is now under investigation.
The lawyer appearing on behalf of the council stated that this submission was made in accordance with an order issued on March 26 by former High Court Judge Navaratne Marasinghe, directing that facts be presented to the court regarding the doctor who issued the medical certificate using the letterhead of a well-known private hospital.
Misuse of the Presidential Pardon: Anuradhapura prison officer granted Rs. 1 million bail
Ada, Mawbima, Dinamina Anuradhapura Magistrate Nalaka Sanjeewa Jayasuriya yesterday (23rd) ordered the release on bail of a prison officer who had been remanded in connection with the unauthorised release of an inmate during proceedings in the Anuradhapura High Court. The officer, Mohan Karunaratne, who had served at the Anuradhapura Prison, was granted two surety bails of Rs. 500,000 each. The Magistrate also imposed a travel ban on the suspect and instructed him not to exert any influence over witnesses involved in the case. The case is scheduled to be heard again on August 4. |
CIABOC questions Avant Garde chief for five hours
Dinamina Chair of Avant Garde Nissanka Senadhipathi appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday (23rd) morning to provide a statement in connection with an ongoing investigation. He arrived at the Commission around 10:00 a.m. and left in the afternoon after giving a statement for more than five hours. His appearance was in response to a formal summons issued by the Commission. Senadhipathi has faced allegations relating to the operations of Avant Garde Maritime Services during a previous government administration. |
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
“Immediately call on the national security council to look into the impacts the Iran-Israel war will have on Sri Lanka and find solutions for them” – Premadasa
Divaina, Ada, Mawbima, Aruna, Thinakkural, Thamilan
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday (23rd) called on the government to take urgent action in response to the increasing tensions between Israel and Iran, warning that the conflict could seriously impact Sri Lanka in terms of fuel and LNG supply.
Issuing a statement, Premadasa stated that there is a real risk that the Strait of Hormuz, the key maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea, could be closed due to the escalating situation.
He added that the strait is a vital route for global oil and gas shipments, and urged the government to immediately convene the National Security Council to assess the risks and make key decisions to implement urgent solutions.
He emphasised the need to consider both the safety and job security of Sri Lankan workers currently employed in Middle Eastern countries.
Sri Lanka concerned over the situation in the Middle East – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Divaina, Dinamina, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thamilan
Sri Lanka has called on all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East to take concrete steps toward the de-escalation of the war and restoring peace in the region.
Issuing a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka expressed deep concern over the latest developments and the deteriorating security situation in the area.
The government emphasised that it is closely monitoring the situation and remains seriously alarmed by the unfolding events.
In its appeal, Sri Lanka urged all stakeholders to re-engage in dialogue and to commit to intensified diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and ensuring regional stability.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. UN Human Rights Commissioner arrives in the island: Commissioner to meet President and Prime Minister: scheduled to meet Tamil political parties tomorrow; arrangements to visit the Chemmani mass grave – Ada, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
2. “The CID was reluctant to arrest Harak Kata’s followers, which is why the police investigation was given to the CCD” – Deshabandu – Lankadeepa, Divaina, Ada, Mawbima, Thinakaran
3. Warrant issued for the arrest of Sajin Vass – Lankadeepa, Divaina, Dinamina, Aruna, Thinakkural
4. Prof. Harshana Suriyapperuma appointed as the new Secretary of the Ministry of Finance – Lankadeepa, Divaina, Ada, Dinamina, Aruna, Thinakaran
5. A ban from court on the Wanathawilluwa Pradeshiya Sabha inaugural meeting – Divaina, Dinamina, Thamilan
6. Israel-Iran war: Be alert! – US State Department warns Americans – Divaina, Thinakaran
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