DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: Nepal engulfed in chaos and fire; after massive protests, President and Prime Minister resign; Parliament building set ablaze; death toll rises to 21; former Prime Minister’s wife burnt alive; Nepal government lifts restrictions on social media Thinakaran: Presidents’ Entitlements Act can be abolished with a simple majority; Speaker announces the determination of the Supreme Court | Ministers in talks with plantation companies to raise plantation workers’ wages | 43 countries support Sri Lanka’s stance in creating a new culture |
Thinakkural: “No response yet on accountability and reconciliation; Government’s decision brings deep disappointment; No domestic accountability mechanism has been established so far” – ITAK strongly concerned | Is Sri Lanka abstaining from the vote on the new resolution in Geneva? | Sri Lanka receives support from 43 countries at the UN Session in Geneva Thamilan: Former Presidents’ privileges ‘cut’; law to be enacted in Parliament today; Speaker announces determination of the Supreme Court |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: Privileges given to former presidents abolished: act to be taken up for debate; “it does not go against the constitution” – Speaker informs parliament of the SC verdict | Nepal set on fire following Facebook ban: former PM’s wife burnt alive: PM resigns: president’s and PM’s houses set on fire: 21 youth reported dead Divaina: Protestors set fire to the Nepalese parliament and Supreme Court: struggle continues even after the government withdrew the social media ban: PM resigns: 19 reported dead | “The act to remove entitlements of former presidents is consistent with the constitution” – Speaker informs of the SC verdict in parliament; act to be taken up for debate today Mawbima: CEB proposes to increase the electricity bill by 6.8%: third price hike for the year: a committee appointed for the national electricity policy once again | Nepal set ablaze by the youth riot: wife of a (former) PM burns alive; parliament set on fire; president and prime minister resign
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Dinamina: Curbing former presidents’ entitlements: the draft bill is consistent with the constitution: Speaker informs parliament of the Supreme Court’s decision; debate to be held today | President and Prime Minister of Nepal resign: social media ban turns into struggle: Nepal turns into an AnarchyCurbing former presidents’ entitlements: the draft bill is consistent with the constitution: Speaker informs parliament of the Supreme Court’s decision; debate to be held today | President and Prime Minister of Nepal resign: social media ban turns into struggle: Nepal turns into an Anarchy Aruna: Nepal ablaze over social media ban: president, prime minister and ministers resign: parliament, court, private residences of the president, prime minister set on fire Anidda: This paper is published on Fridays only |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Newswire
“No response yet on accountability and reconciliation; Government’s decision brings deep disappointment; No domestic accountability mechanism has been established so far” – ITAK strongly concerned
Thinakkural
The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) expressed deep disappointment over Sri Lanka’s statement at the 60th session of the UNHRC in Geneva, citing unfulfilled promises on accountability and reconciliation.
It condemned the continued use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, failure to repeal the Online Safety Act, and plans for new counter-terrorism laws.
ITAK criticised the rejection of international accountability despite evidence of mass graves and enforced disappearances, stressing the need for international involvement.
The party also accused the government of deliberately delaying Provincial Council elections, thereby denying the Tamil-speaking people their democratic rights.
ITAK urged immediate elections in line with India’s call for meaningful devolution and justice for the Tamil community.
Sumanthiran thanks India for its statement in Geneva | “Herath lied in Geneva” – Sumanthiran
Thinakkural Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran welcomed India’s stance on the report concerning Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council. India’s representative, Anupama Singh, stated that India supports the Tamil community’s aspirations for equality, justice, and peace within a united Sri Lanka and has urged the full implementation of the Sri Lankan constitution, speedy provincial council elections, and meaningful devolution of power. Sumanthiran also challenged Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath’s claim at the UNHRC that the government withdrew a land acquisition gazette before a court ruling. Sumanthiran clarified that the government withdrew the gazette after the Supreme Court issued an interim order to stop its operation. |
Ministers hold discussion with plantation companies on increase of wagesThinakaranA key discussion was held on raising plantation workers’ wages, with the NPP government seeking a fair solution yesterday (9th). Talks with plantation companies focused on increasing the daily wage to Rs. 1,700 while safeguarding the sector. Ministers emphasised fair wages amid rising living costs, while companies cited higher production costs and reduced export revenue. Another meeting will be held within a month for a final decision. The government delegation included Minister of Plantation and Social Infrastructure Samantha Vidyarathna, Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep, Minister of Labour Anil Jayantha Fernando, and Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe. |
“Why did Sri Lankan journalists travel to Israel?” MP Mujibur requests an investigation by the Intelligence Division
Thamilan, Thinakkural Speaking in parliament, SJB MP Mujibur Rahman alleged that 16 journalists from Sri Lanka, including two from the Rupavahini Corporation and one from the Kotelawala Defence University, have travelled to Israel. He questioned whether they went to receive training from Mossad to create issues in the country. The MP called for an intelligence investigation into the purpose of the visit, highlighting the genocide in Gaza and claiming that the Israeli military has killed 248 international journalists. He further alleged that the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, organised the trip, which is supposedly at odds with the government’s stance. Rahman questioned how the government could send a delegation of journalists to a country engaged in inhumane activities. |
“With Ranil’s arrest over, the ‘ice’ week begins”; MP Namal Rajapaksa says not to blame the Rajapaksas for incapacityThamilan, ThinakkuralParliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) questioned the government’s purpose if the Rajapaksa family is controlling drug traffickers and criminal gangs. During a parliamentary debate on a multilateral agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates, he stated that the government “had concluded the Ranil Wickremesinghe arrest week and had now begun the ‘ice’ week”, referring to the recent seizure of ‘ice’ drugs. He accused the government of blaming the Rajapaksas to hide its own incompetence, noting that “investigations had been politicised before any facts were revealed.” Rajapaksa affirmed that the SLPP would offer full cooperation to eradicate drug trafficking and control criminal gangs, but urged the government not to use them as a scapegoat for its failures. |
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
Electricity tariff to be increased: a proposal to the commission
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Mawbima, Aruna
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) stated that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has proposed a 6.8% tariff revision of the electricity bill for the last quarter of 2025.
The PUCSL announced that it will seek public opinion on the electricity tariff revision proposal submitted by the CEB.
According to the PUCSL, members of the public are invited to submit their comments and proposals in writing to the Commission.
Written comments and proposals must be submitted by October 7, 2025.
ASP Olugala appointed to head special unit to curb drugs and the underworld
Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rohan Olugala has been appointed as the Head of Supervision for the Special Investigation Unit established for the suppression and control of organised crime and drug trafficking. This appointment was made by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasooriya, in addition to the post Olugala currently holds as the Director of the Western Province North Crimes Division |
Act of the Sri Lanka Press Council to be amended
Dinamina, Aruna PCabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, yesterday (9th), announced that Cabinet approval has been granted to amend the Sri Lanka Press Council Act, No. 5 of 1973. Jayatissa stated that the current Press Council Act has not been updated to reflect contemporary social and cultural trends. He noted further that, beyond traditional print and radio, the rapid expansion of the internet and social media has significantly impacted public life, necessitating a revision of the Act to align with these shifts. Minister Nalinda Jayatissa made the announcement while addressing the cabinet media briefing held yesterday (9th). |
UAE – Lanka agreement passed with a majority of 163 votes
Dinamina The resolution on the agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates was passed in Parliament yesterday (9th) with a majority of 163 votes. The Speaker informed the House that the proposal was passed with a special majority. Additionally, no votes had been cast against the resolution, while none of the MPs abstained from voting. |
Direct UAE investment of USD 1,000 million receivedDinaminaDuring the first anniversary of Anura Kumara Dissanayake becoming President, Sri Lanka received USD 1,000 million in foreign direct investment from the United Arab Emirates. Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament, Bimal Rathnayake, stated in Parliament yesterday (9th) that this is a great victory for the country.
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COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: Sri Lanka Mirror
Curbing former presidents’ entitlements: the draft bill is consistent with the constitution: Speaker informs parliament of the Supreme Court’s decision; debate to be held today
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thamilan
Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, yesterday (9th), informed the House that the Supreme Court (SC) has determined the Bill titled Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) is consistent with the Constitution and can be enacted by a simple majority.
The Bill was challenged in the SC under Article 121(1) of the Constitution.
However, the SC ruled that none of its provisions are unconstitutional.
The parliamentary debate and vote on the Presidents’ Entitlements Repeal Bill will take place today (10th).
President and Prime Minister of Nepal resign: social media ban turns into struggle: Nepal turns into an Anarchy
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
Prime Minister of Nepal K.P. Sharma Oli and President of Nepal Ram Chandra Poudel have been forced to step down after a wave of anti-corruption protests left nearly 20 people dead and more than 100 injured.
Additionally, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets, blocking roads and setting fire to parliament and other government buildings.
Accordingly, the media reported that the parliament building, the Supreme Court, and the private residences of the president and prime minister were set on fire by the protestors.
Papers also report that the wife of a former prime minister was “burnt alive” during the protests.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. Rajitha Senaratne granted bail: overseas travel banned – Lankadeepa, Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina, Virakesari, Thinakaran
2. “This is not something that was done targeting Mahinda Rajapaksa” – Nalinda Jayatissa –Divaina, Aruna, Thinakaran
3. 43 countries support Sri Lanka at the Human Rights Council – Dinamina, Thinakaran, Thinakkural
4. Sri Lanka receives USD 100 million aid from the World Bank – Dinamina, Thinakaran
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