DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: India will stand at the forefront for Sri Lankan Tamils; Indian Vice President states in Ragala: Also inspects housing projects Thinakaran: “10,000 more houses in the Hill Country under Indian housing schemes; Indian Vice President Radhakrishnan | The ‘Kamban Puzhal Award’ for this year to be presented to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake |
Thinakkural: “We have a big plan to seize power; a change will definitely happen; we are ready for it” – Mahinda [Rajapaksa] | 12 ruling party MPs send letter to National People’s Power, pointing out certain shortcomings of the government | Iran refuses to participate in negotiations with the US Thamilan: Tea exports significantly affected by the Gulf War; UN report reveals! Anura Karunathilaka appointed as Minister of Energy | Hormuz Strait will not be opened until the US siege is lifted: Iran firm |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: A revelation from the World Food Programme: food worth Rs. 790 billion imported last year: prices of main food items also increased following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz | The proposal to increase the electricity bill dismissed? Electricity bill to rise by 25% if implemented Divaina: Peace talks on the fence while crude oil prices rise: Iran – US peace talks to recommence tomorrow in Islamabad; “will blow up the whole of Iran if they do not agree” — Trump warns | An Iranian cargo ship in the custody of the US military: will avenge this without delay — Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
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Dinamina: A Several Sri Lanka-India projects: A project to make Trincomalee the energy hub of Asia; Trincomalee oil tank project expedited; A petroleum pipeline between South India and Trincomalee; 10,000 houses for estate workers: 700 scholarships Aruna: Irrigation [department] obstructs gem mine worth Rs. 10 billion Anidda: This paper is published only on Fridays |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Newswire
“10,000 more houses in the Hill Country under Indian housing schemes” – Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan
Thinakaran, Virakesari
Vice President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan announced that an additional 10,000 houses will soon be handed over to the Hill Country Tamil community under the fourth phase of the Indian Housing Project.
During his historic two-day official visit, the first ever by an Indian vice president to Sri Lanka, he visited Liddesdale Estate in Ragala to inspect phase III housing and interact with beneficiaries.
He highlighted that India has already provided 50,000 houses across the North, East, and plantation regions, reaffirming the Indian government’s deep commitment to the welfare and development of the Tamil people.
During his tour, he also visited the Seetha Amman Temple and the Hanuman Kovil in Seetha Eliya, noting these sites as symbols of the profound cultural and civilisational links between the two nations.
Virakesari highlights him, saying that the Indian government and the Indian people will continue to act with commitment toward the welfare and development of the Tamils living in Sri Lanka.
Fisheries cooperation: Minister Chandrasekar holds talks with Maldivian High Commissioner
Thinakaran Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar recently met with Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Masood Imad at the parliament premises to discuss expanding bilateral relations. The minister highlighted the potential to integrate the Maldives’ high-quality fresh fish resources with Sri Lanka’s advanced fish processing and canning industries to introduce value-added products to the international market. Discussions also focused on establishing a direct export system from Sri Lanka to the Maldives under a “Made in Sri Lanka” certification, replacing the current intermediary-based methods to benefit local producers. These collaborative opportunities in new investments, technology exchange, and sustainable resource management are expected to be further explored during the Maldivian president’s visit to Sri Lanka next month. |
12 ruling party MPs send letter to NPP, pointing out certain shortcomings of the governmentThinakkural
A group of 12 ruling party MPs has reportedly sent a letter to the National People’s Power (NPP) headquarters highlighting various weaknesses and inefficiencies within the government’s current operations. The group, which includes two ministers, three deputy ministers, and seven MPs, has called for immediate measures to rectify these shortcomings. These members, who are reportedly not original JVP members but joined the NPP through the alliance of intellectuals and professionals during the last general election, claimed they are facing economic difficulties due to certain government decisions. The letter further emphasises the need for urgent policy adjustments to address these challenges, noting that two members of the group are currently overseas. |
The ‘Kamban Puzhal Award’ for this year to be presented to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake
Thinakaran The All Ceylon Kamban Kazhagam has announced that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will be honoured with the ‘Kamban Pugazh’ award for 2026 in recognition of his political revolution and commitment to an inclusive Sri Lanka for all ethnicities. The award will be presented during the Colombo Kamban Vizha (celebration), which is scheduled to commence on Thursday, April 30, at the Ramakrishna Mission Hall in Wellawatte and continue through May 1-3. |
Tea exports significantly affected by the Gulf War! UN report revealsThamilan A new report by the UNDP reveals that Sri Lanka is losing approximately USD 1.015 million (nearly Rs. 310 million) in weekly tea export revenue due to the conflict between the US and Iran. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and restrictions on Middle Eastern airspace have placed Sri Lanka among the most vulnerable nations in the Asia-Pacific region, with the report warning of a USD 183 billion economic impact across South Asia. Remittances are also at risk, as 80.2% of Sri Lankans employed abroad last year were based in the Middle East, a region that contributes 2.7% of the country’s total GDP. Furthermore, the tourism sector has seen a sharp decline, with daily arrivals dropping 40% from 9,976 in February to 5,956 in early March. The report also highlights broader threats, including rising debt levels, increased poverty affecting nearly 3,000 additional citizens, and potential food insecurity caused by disruptions to global fertiliser and fuel trade. |
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: The Morning
Several Sri Lanka-India projects: A project to make Trincomalee the energy hub of Asia; Trincomalee oil tank project expedited; A petroleum pipeline between South India and Trincomalee; 10,000 houses for estate workers: 700 scholarships
Dinamina
Special attention was focused on the acceleration of several large-scale projects scheduled to be implemented in the country under Indian aid during the two-day visit of the Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan.
During the discussion held between Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, special attention was also focused on the proposed project to establish energy centres in Trincomalee and the proposal to connect India and Sri Lanka via a petroleum pipeline.
Additionally, 10,000 houses will also be built for estate workers, while 700 scholarships will be awarded to the community as well.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made the statement on Sunday (19th), participating in a special press conference held in Colombo regarding the two-day visit of the Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, to Sri Lanka.
“We are certain that justice will be served” — Rev. Father Cyril GaminiDinamina Spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Colombo, Rev. Cyril Gamini, stated that April 21, 2019, is a black day written in blood and tears in Sri Lankan history. Due to the brutal bomb attack carried out by an extremist group, several churches and leading tourist hotels were turned into one big funeral house. He added that 279 innocent human lives were untimely and pointlessly snatched away by this attack, and that over 500 more people became permanently disabled and fell into a helpless state. He further added that “throughout the seven-year period that passed since then, the sole appeal of the victims was for justice to be served to them. To reveal the truth. Similarly, at this moment, seven years have been completed since that dark past, a special hope has arisen regarding the investigations of the Easter attack. That is, relatively, it is observed that the investigation process implemented under the current government is being carried out very orderly, impartially, and systematically. It is the expectation of everyone who respects justice and fairness that it remains so.” He stated that it is their firm hope that these investigations will be conducted expeditiously and impartially until their very end. |
All three state banks report highest profit in historyDinamina The People’s Bank, Bank of Ceylon, and the National Savings Bank have recorded the highest profits ever achieved in history in the year 2025. The Chairpersons of the banks stated that, accordingly, People’s Bank recorded the highest profit in its history, Bank of Ceylon recorded the highest profit in its 87-year history, and National Savings Bank recorded its highest profit of USD 59 billion before all taxes in the year 2025. |
Former Minister Piyasena Gamage, who was arrested on corruption charges, given bail at Rs. 4 million
Dinamina
Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanka S. Bodharagama ordered yesterday (20th) that former minister Piyasena Gamage, who was arrested on suspicion by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) regarding corruption allegations and produced in court, be released on two personal bails of Rs. 2 million each.
The Magistrate issued this order after considering the facts presented by the officials of the CIABOC and the lawyers of the suspect.
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: Daily FT
Anura Karunathilaka appointed to the post of Minister of Energy
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Dinamina, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
Minister Anura Karunathilaka was appointed as the Minister of Energy by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (20th).
Accordingly, Karunathilaka took oaths before the president at the Presidential Secretariat as the Minister of Energy yesterday (20th) afternoon.
Anura Karunathilaka also serves as the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation in addition to the newly appointed post.
Presidential Secretary Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was present at the occasion.
Anura Karunathilaka replaces Kumara Jayakody, who resigned from the ministerial portfolio recently, to ensure a transparent investigation into the coal procurement scandal.
Seven years since the Easter Sunday terror attacks: Special religious programmes to be held across the country
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Dinamina, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thamilan
Today (21st) marks seven years since the Easter Sunday terror attack occurred. Several special commemorations and religious programmes will be held across the country today in remembrance of those who died and were affected in the attack carried out on April 21, 2019, targeting three churches and three luxury hotels in Colombo.
The main commemorative ceremony will be held at the Kochchikade Church in Colombo under the patronage of Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and Bishop Anton Ranjith, with a group including ambassadors, religious leaders, and family members of the victims expected to participate.
A two-minute silence is scheduled to be held today at 8:45 a.m. in all churches across the island by ringing the bell for the deceased, and following that, at 8:47 a.m., candles or oil lamps will be lit to remember the victims. Prayer services will be held thereafter.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. Peace talks on the fence while crude oil prices rise: Iran – US peace talks to recommence tomorrow in Islamabad; “will blow up the whole of Iran if they do not agree” — Trump warns | An Iranian cargo ship in the custody of the US military: will avenge this without delay — Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) | Hormuz Strait will not be opened until the US siege is lifted: Iran firm | Iran refuses to participate in negotiations with the US – Lankadeepa, Divaina, Dinamina, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
2. “Have a new plan to win over the power” — Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa – Divaina, Dinamina, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakkural
3. ‘Walk for Peace’ begins today – Lankadeepa, Divaina, Dinamina, Thinakaran
4. “I do not watch TV, read newspapers or check websites: it is better to engage in some meditation than to join the SLFP” — Former President Maithripala Sirisena | Easter Sunday attacks: “I will provide full support for investigations!” – Says Maithripala Sirisena – Dinamina, Thamilan
5. “In the future, a litre of diesel will exceed Rs. 700” – Patali Champika Ranawaka – Aruna, Virakesari
6. Bail granted for the RMV commissioner general – Dinamina, Thinakaran
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