Highlights the differences and nuances in reporting between Sinhala and Tamil newspapers.

Over the past week the Sinhala and Tamil press converged in relation to six main stories. The six stories were on the: (i) theft of USD 2.5 million from the Treasury; (ii) arrest of 22 monks for smuggling narcotics; (iii) alleged importation of substandard coal; (iv) May Day rallies held to mark International Workers’ Day; (v) “Walk for Peace” organised by a group of monks ; and (vi) reported plans to increase electricity tariffs.

The Sinhala press exclusively featured one main story, and it was on the appointment of an interim committee to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), led by former MP Eran Wickramaratne.

The Tamil press exclusively featured three main stories, and they were on the: (i) demands for accountability and justice concerning past atrocities, including enforced disappearances and mass graves; (ii) problems faced by the Hill Country Tamil community and the increase in wages of plantation workers; and (iii) detention of books authored by Theepachelvan by Sri Lanka Customs.