DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: A turning point in Tamil Nadu’s political history; TVK wins a massive victory, Vijay becomes Chief Minister; Talks on forming the government today Thinakaran: “Maldives is Sri Lanka’s third largest export destination among SAARC countries” – President states at joint media briefing attended by Sri Lankan and Maldivian Presidents | Seven agreements signed between Maldives and Sri Lanka |
Thinakkural: Sixty years of Dravidian rule come to an end; Vijay’s massive victory in Tamil Nadu; Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) hoists the victory flag in the Dravidian fortress Thamilan: Vijay ‘Tsunami’ in Tamil Nadu! The TVK scores a landslide victory |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: This newspaper was unavailable at the time of publishing FrontPage Divaina: Even before a week passes since the murder of a Welikada inmate, yet another inmate dies under mysterious circumstances; was the death due to assault or a sudden illness? Further investigations to commence following the postmortem | Superstar actor Vijay captures power in Tamil Nadu; wins 110 out of 234 seats
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Dinamina: Sri Lanka and the Maldives sign seven MoUs covering the health, sports, tourism, education and defence sectors; a large number of benefits for both countries Aruna: Distribution of 100,000 train season tickets obstructed due to employees’ overtime payments being slashed Anidda: This paper is published only on Fridays |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Tamil Guardian
Ambassadors show interest in provincial council elections and the 13th Amendment; meeting held with ITAK key figures in Batticaloa
Thinakkural
Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Isabelle Martin and British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick met with ITAK representatives in Batticaloa on Monday (4th) to discuss regional political and economic challenges.
MPs R. Shanakiyan and G. Srineshan noted that the diplomats expressed particular interest in the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and the conduct of provincial council elections.
The discussion also covered the current political climate in the North and East, as well as the performance of the present government compared to previous administrations.
Additionally, the MPs urged the international community to pressure the government regarding accountability and economic development, specifically highlighting the lack of operational airports and functional port infrastructure in the Eastern Province.
“Myliddy coastal lands will be released soon” – MP Ilankumaran states
Thinakaran NPP MP K. Ilankumaran asserted that the government remains committed to returning civilian lands, specifically continuing efforts to release large extents of territory in the Palaly and Myliddy areas. Addressing a press briefing in Thaiyiddy on Sunday (3rd), he noted that measures are underway to release coastal lands along the Keerimalai-Point Pedro Road, as well as areas surrounding the Myliddy Kannaki Matha Church, the local cemetery, and the Palaly Military Hospital. Regarding the Thaiyiddy Vihara, the MP clarified that the government has no intention of seizing Tamil-owned land for the temple, but noted the sensitivity of the site requires a cautious approach for eventual release. Ilankumaran further alleged that certain failed Northern politicians are attempting to disrupt these processes to provoke communal sentiments in the South. |
The Supreme Court rejects the petition filed by Rauff Hakeem and Nizam KariapperVirakesari
The Supreme Court on Monday (4th) dismissed a petition filed by Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauff Hakeem and General Secretary Nizam Kariapper without conducting a hearing. The petitioners sought a court order directing the Election Commission (EC) to officially notify parliament of their status as valid members of the SLMC. The legal action followed internal party disputes and disagreements that had created ambiguity regarding their official membership status. After reviewing the submissions, the bench of judges ruled that there was no sufficient legal basis to proceed with the case and ordered its rejection. |
Thaiyiddy Vihara issue: Tamil lawyers should represent the case – Gajendrakumar requests
Thinakkural
ACTC leader MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam has publicly urged Tamil lawyers to take legal action against the illegal construction of a Vihara on private lands in Thaiyiddy.
Speaking at a book launch in Jaffna on Sunday (3rd), he highlighted that although the war ended 17 years ago, civilians owning approximately seven acres in the area have been denied access to their property for 30 years.
Ponnambalam asserted that the military has unlawfully occupied these private lands for religious purposes despite separate land being allocated for the Vihara, a violation acknowledged even by the chief prelates of Nainativu and Ariyakulam.
He further criticised Minister Bimal Rathnayake for allegedly trivialising the residents’ struggle during a recent May Day rally and called on the legal community to unite with the affected people to challenge the government’s stance.
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Lanka Leader
“Businesses will go into a crisis due to the VAT amendment” – The opposition leader | Sajith opposes the tax amendment
Aruna, Dinamina, Divaina
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa expressed strong opposition to the proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) amendments scheduled to be implemented from July 1.
Voicing his criticism on the proposed bill to amend the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act, No. 14 of 2002, Premadasa asserted that the new measures, which include bringing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the tax net, would threaten the survival of businesses and pressure the emerging digital economy.
The opposition leader, who expressed his views via a post on X, further argued that the government’s actions constitute an “exploitation” of the public rather than genuine structural reform, noting that an economy cannot grow through taxes alone if businesses are unable to survive.
He further emphasised that increasing tax compliance costs would lead to business failures, ultimately leaving the government with no revenue base to tax.
“Predicting court verdicts in advance: An influence exerted on judges” – Former justice ministerAruna, Divaina Addressing a media briefing at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) headquarters, Peiris asserted that the president had predicted the outcomes and delivery dates of pending court cases to satisfy third parties and gain applause. He claimed that suggesting prior knowledge of judicial decisions before they are officially delivered is a grave violation of the Constitution and exerts undue pressure on the judiciary. Peiris further noted that such statements undermine public confidence in the legal system and indicated that the Joint Opposition may seek international recourse if necessary. |
An investigation into the death of Welikada Prison inmateDivaina, Dinamina The death of a 40-year-old inmate under mysterious circumstances is reported from the Welikada Prison. The inmate, who was serving a three-month sentence for possession of 110 mg of heroin, reportedly escaped while cleaning a sports ground the day before yesterday morning (3rd). Prison officers apprehended him in the Borella area following a struggle, during which officials claim they used minimum force. After being returned to the prison, he was admitted to the prison hospital at approximately 8:30 p.m., complaining of chest pain, but was pronounced dead shortly after. An internal investigation has been initiated regarding the death, and the police media spokesperson confirmed that two special teams from the Borella Police are also conducting investigations. The incident follows the death of another inmate at the same prison on April 28, which led to the arrest of four prison officers. |
The Vietnamese president to arrive in Sri Lanka the day after tomorrow
Dinamina
Vietnamese President Tô Lâm is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka the day after tomorrow (7th) for a two-day state visit to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit follows an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during his state visit to Vietnam in 2025, which marked 55 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
During the visit, President Lâm and President Dissanayake are expected to hold bilateral discussions covering several areas of mutual interest.
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: The Times of India
A turning point in Tamil Nadu’s political history; TVK wins a massive victory, Vijay becomes Chief Minister
Thinakaran, Virakesari, Thinakkural, Thamilan, Aruna, Dinamina, Divaina
In a historic political shift, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by actor Vijay secured a major victory in the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly election, positioning him to become the next chief minister.
The election, held in a single phase on April 23, saw a record-breaking voter turnout of 85.15%, with TVK surpassing established parties like the DMK and AIADMK.
Vijay won both the Perambur and Trichy East constituencies with significant margins, while the incumbent Chief Minister M.K. Stalin faced a shocking defeat in his own seat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi extended their congratulations to Vijay, who is set to become the first chief minister in 60 years not belonging to the traditional Dravidian parties.
“VAT has not been increased. Social media reports are false” – Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera; “VAT will not be increased beyond 18%” – The deputy minister of economic development
Aruna, Dinamina, Divaina, Thinakaran
Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera clarified that social media reports regarding a 20% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) are entirely false.
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday (4th), he explained that the recent gazette notification simplifies the tax structure by merging the 18% VAT and the 2.5% Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) previously imposed on financial services.
This consolidation results in a unified VAT rate of 20.5% for banks and financial institutions effective from July 2026, maintaining the existing total tax burden.
Jayaweera emphasised that the standard 18% VAT rate for general goods and services remains unchanged and that the reform aims to improve tax administration efficiency.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. The excavation of the Chemmani mass grave: Four more skeletal remains, including that of an infant, newly identified yesterday – Thinakaran, Virakesari, Thinakkural, Dinamina
2. “Conduct a thorough investigation [on the president’s May Day remarks on court verdicts]” – The Free Lawyers’ Association requests the chief justice and the Judicial Service Commission – Aruna, Divaina, Thinakkural
3. Sri Lanka and the Maldives sign seven MoUs covering the health, sports, tourism, education and defence sectors – Dinamina, Thinakaran
4. The Ekneligoda case to be heard weekly – Dinamina, Virakesari
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