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DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: “Changing agreements is a risk” – Former President Ranil warns | Ganemulla Sanjeeva murder case: Constable granted bail Thinakaran: “Two months have passed since the elections; there has been a delay in forming administrations in 50 local government councils; service delivery to the people has been disrupted” – Chandana Abeyratne | No need to worry about digital NIC; government assures security of personal data |
Thinakkural: “The government will increase taxes at the end of the year to face the financial crisis! The burden will be placed on the people” – Saman Rathnapriya of the UNP | Ranil warns that there will be another major crisis in the country Thamilan: Military connection to the Chemmani mass graves! Investigation report on the disappearances in Jaffna in 1996 – 97 leaked; opportunity for a breakthrough in the Chemmani case | “Let’s make the keys to freedom heavier!” – The Voice of the Voiceless organisation calls! | “China is Sri Lanka’s brother” – Ambassador Qi Qi Zhenhong states proudly | Immediate order to release acquired lands; decision based on MP Shanakiyan’s request |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: 19 ministers and deputy ministers have taken fuel allowances from two places: 30 have refused the allowance; salaries for ministers and MPs for March amounts to Rs. 80 million Divaina: The Kahawatta murder was ordered by Homagama Handaya | Death penalty for former Weligepola Pradeshiya Sabha member over the abduction and murder of an individual from Godakawela Ada: A prominent minister in the government to be arrested soon over acquiring land through unlawful means? |
Mawbima: A tip regarding the Kahawatta murderers from a Jeep that was seen in Kadawatha! Substantial information revealed by the suspect arrested in Meegoda | Many students at risk of not being able to sit for A/Ls due to students with low attendance not being allowed to sit for the examination Dinamina: Houses purchased in Canada, America and Australia using money from SLIIT: legal measures to be taken against all those who committed fraud “Maithripala, Ranil and the whole cabinet must be held responsible” – Wasantha Samarasinghe Aruna: 90% of elephant deaths caused by illegal firearms: highest number of elephant deaths recorded in 2023; 13 elephants that have been shot are currently receiving treatment Anidda: This paper is published on Fridays only |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: adaderana.lk
Military connection to the Chemmani mass graves! Investigation report on the disappearances in Jaffna in 1996 – 97 released
Thinakaran, Thamilan
A four-member committee appointed by the Human Rights Commission has released an investigation report, after 22 years, on 281 individuals who disappeared in Jaffna. The report states that over 95% of these individuals were forcibly disappeared by uniformed personnel in the Jaffna area between 1996 and 1997. It has been suggested that the detailed report could be a breakthrough in identifying the human remains found in the Chemmani mass grave through DNA comparison with the relatives of the disappeared.
Thinakaran: General Secretary of the ITAK M.A. Sumanthiran, who has obtained a copy, is now pressuring the Human Rights Commission to officially publish the report on its website.
Thamilan highlights that the report was leaked.
“Two months have passed since the elections; there has been a delay in forming administrations in 50 local government councils; service delivery to the people has been disrupted” – Chandana Abeyratne
Thinakaran, Thinakkural Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Chandana Abeyratne stated that approximately 50 local government bodies have been unable to form an administration due to various reasons. He noted that this situation has persisted for more than two months after the local government election was held. He added that, consequently, these councils have been unable to commence their services to the public. |
“Evidence of crime [recovered] at the Chemmani mass grave” – Prof. Raj Somadeva presents his findings to the court
Virakesari Archaeology Professor Raj Somadeva submitted an interim report to the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (15th), regarding the second phase of the Chemmani mass grave excavations. In the report, Prof. Somadeva highlighted three main points, firstly noting that there are signs of criminal activity at the location where the mass grave was discovered. Secondly, he points out that the manner in which the skeletal remains were found does not reflect the proper procedures for a burial. The report concludes by stressing the necessity of conducting further comprehensive investigations into the matter. |
“Changing agreements is a risk” – Former President Ranil warns
Virakesari, Thinakkural
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that he implemented a sound economic plan for the country’s recovery, which the government must implement properly. Speaking at a book launch of former Minister Bandula Gunawardena at the BMICH yesterday (16th), he warned that another crisis will arise if the government alters the agreed-upon plan for the sake of political
popularity.
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Lanka Sara
Residence of NPP member of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha, who had received death threats, shot at
Ada, Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna
Two unidentified individuals that arrived on a motorcycle opened fire at around 4.30 am yesterday (16th) at the residence of NPP member of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Attorney-at-Law Tharaka Nanayakkara. Police officers stationed at the residence for security purposes returned fire at the gunmen during the incident. Security had been assigned to Nanayakkara’s residence due to previous death threats he had received. According to reports, the threats were allegedly issued by associates of Harak Kata. Police state that these threats are linked to the power struggle surrounding the election of the chair of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha. Initial investigations have led inquiry teams to suspect a connection between the shooting and the recent vote to appoint the sabha chair. The police confirmed that three investigative teams are conducting inquiries from three different angles regarding the incident.
The Kahawatta murder was ordered by Homagama Handaya
Divaina, Ada, Mawbima, Aruna Four individuals suspected of aiding and abetting the abduction and subsequent fatal shooting of a youth in the Kahawatta area have been apprehended by the Western Province North Crimes Division. According to police interrogations, the suspects revealed that the murder had been orchestrated by Thanuja Sampath, also known as Homagama Handaya, who is currently residing overseas. The suspects further stated that the killing was carried out based on suspicions that the victim had disclosed information related to narcotics trafficking. Police have identified the vehicle used in the shooting, which had been repainted and concealed in the Kadawatha area. The incident occurred on the night of June 30 in Kahawatta, when two young men were abducted by individuals posing as police officers and subsequently shot. One of the youths succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the other sustained gunshot wounds and was injured. |
Discussions on the 2026 budget plan held under the president
Ada, Dinamina Preliminary discussions on the 2026 Budget were held yesterday (16th) between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and officials of the Ministry of Finance. The talks focused on the budget framework and the development trajectory relevant to the presentation of the 2026 budget proposals. Officials of the Ministry of Finance informed the president that the budget circular calling for proposals has already been issued, and institutions have been given until July 31 to submit their budget estimates within the stipulated expenditure limits. During the discussion, the president emphasised the importance of prioritising sectors that are vital to uplifting the country from its current state during the upcoming budget planning process. In line with this, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed the officials to pay greater attention to projects focused on key areas such as digitalisation, strengthening public transport and integrating rural communities into the national economy. |
Gerandi Ella fatal accident: Compensation paid for all the deceased
Dinamina
The Presidential Secretariat has disbursed a total of Rs. 23 million, providing Rs. 1 million each as compensation for the 23 deceased in the fatal bus accident in Gerandi Ella. Additionally, the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has compensated 20 individuals with a total of Rs. 500,000 at Rs. 25,000 per person. The Sri Lanka Transport Board has covered the transportation expenses for funeral vehicles used to carry the remains of the deceased driver, along with several other victims. Of the 61 injured individuals from the accident, payments to some have been delayed due to difficulties in verifying medical diagnosis cards. However, compensation of Rs. 10,000 each has been fully disbursed to 46 injured persons, the Board confirmed.
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
Shani Abeysekara named a witness in the Eknaligoda case
Lankadeepa, Aruna, Virakesari, Thamilan
The Attorney General’s (AG) Department informed the Colombo High Court yesterday (16th) that the present Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) – Shani Abeysekara – has been named as a witness in the case concerning the alleged abduction and disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda. The decision was made following the case being taken up before a three-member High Court bench.
Death penalty for former Weligepola Pradeshiya Sabha member over the abduction and murder of an individual from Godakawela
Divaina, Ada, Thamilan
Former UPFA member of the Weligepola Pradeshiya Sabha – Kodithuwakku Arachchilage Wasantha alias Alibaby – has been sentenced to death. The verdict was issued by Embilipitiya High Court Judge Buddhika S. Ragala. Accordingly, Wasantha was convicted after being found guilty of abducting and murdering a person in the Godakawela area in 2012.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. 65 skeletons found in the Chemmani mass grave: excavating to recommence from July 21 | The skeleton recovered with a school bag belongs to a girl of four or five years; Dr. Pranavan Selliah informs court – Ada, Virakesari, Thamilan
2. Uniform material for school children for 2026 requested from China – Ada, Thamilan
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