DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
|
Virakesari: “United contest in provincial council elections” – MP Ajith P. Perera comments on the stance of UNP and SJB | Pictorial: Canadian PM celebrates Diwali Thinakaran: Prompt solution to delays in degree programs; President gives assurance to representatives of the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations | “The death penalty is the only solution to eradicate drugs; enforce it temporarily,” says Professor Prathiba Mahanamahewa | One dead, 585 affected due to bad weather | Pictorial: National government Diwali festival held in Hatton |
Thinakkural: “Where did the USD 6 billion which was borrowed for the development of the country go? It remains a big mystery” – Minister Ananda Wijepala | Central Bank Governor receives a prestigious award | Illegal assets? Ban within 30 days! New investigation unit takes action Thamilan: Leaders preparing for provincial elections! Former MPs eyeing Chief Minister positions | Landslide warnings issued for several areas |
Sinhala Headlines
|
Lankadeepa: [Ishara Sewwandi] has aided the murder of Sanjeewa due to her intention of going to Europe: she has also stayed in two houses in Jaffna: has cried out of fear when she was on the boat; although she aided the murder of Sanjeewa, she has not taken a payment Divaina: “The PCID mission to seize hidden asset irregularities commences” – IGP Mawbima: Who owns the two accounts through which transactions amounting to more than Rs. 10 billion were made? Illegal Assets Investigation Division questions | 73 devices that measure rainfall across the country are not working – Audit reveals
|
Dinamina: “USD 6 billion taken for projects, nowhere to be found” – Ananda Wijepala | Heavy rains to continue today: three deaths; 600 affected in four districts: landslide warnings for 44 divisional secretariats: Maha Oya and Deduru Oya at flood risk; sluice gates of many reservoirs opened | 18 train journeys cancelled on the upcountry line Aruna: “Go get it done by anyone you want” – PC goes home after giving OIC attitude: PC had been watching videos while neglecting duties Anidda: This paper is published on Fridays only |
[paywall layout_id=”1906″ service_tags=”TMA,FP” preview=”true”]
TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
“Closure of schools should not be permitted” – Sajith Premadasa
Thinakkural, Virakesari, Thamilan
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, speaking at the mobile service event held in Nochchiyagama, yesterday (20th), affirmed that instead of closing existing schools, measures should be taken to strengthen the current school system.
He emphasised the need to fulfil the shortages in physical and human resources within the school structure and transition towards a modern, updated education system.
He claimed that the ‘Prabanjam’ program, which aimed to provide education including Information Technology (IT), English, and other language skills from a young age, was mocked by the current ruling party, who are now moving forward with plans to close schools.
Premadasa noted that despite holding the presidency and a two-thirds majority, the current government “is not addressing the educational issues such as the teacher shortage and is planning to systematically close schools.”
He declared that the opposition will take all possible actions to prevent the closing of schools and called upon the public to peacefully and legally mobilise to protect them.
“The death penalty is the only solution to eradicate drugs; enforce it temporarily” – Professor Prathiba Mahanamahewa
Thinakaran, Virakesari Professor Prathiba Mahanamahewa has proposed to the government that the death penalty or a similar law be implemented for a short period as a preliminary measure to control the rapidly spreading illegal drug trade across the country. He pointed out that countries such as Singapore, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Japan, Vietnam, and India had implemented the death penalty for a short time during periods of increasing drug trafficking. He also noted that as the government plans to soon abolish the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), there is a possibility that criminals involved in serious crimes and drug traffickers currently detained under detention orders in the PTA will be released. Therefore, he emphasised the importance of the government introducing and passing a new bill to prevent large-scale organised crime before repealing the PTA. |
Leaders preparing for provincial elections! Former MPs eyeing Chief Minister positions
Thamilan
A fierce battle has erupted among several political parties to secure the chief ministerial candidate post for the provincial council elections, which are reportedly due to be held next year. Most individuals vying for the chief ministerial candidate post are former MPs who have already made private requests to their respective party leaderships. Political sources indicate that 10 MPs nominated to contest as chief ministerial candidates will resign in the coming days. When inquired, leaders from the SJB and the SLPP affirmed that the chief ministerial candidate post will be given to the most popular individuals who do not have accusations against them. Furthermore, a number of aspirants have begun pressuring political party leaders through clergy and other special dignitaries to secure the candidacy. |
“Just as the drug culture is being eradicated, the government must find a solution for the national ethnic issue” – ITAK MP Srineshan
Virakesari ITAK MP Gnanamuththu Srineshan affirmed that just as the government is taking steps to eliminate the illegal drug culture and underworld culture, it must also resolve the national ethnic issue. Speaking to the media in Batticaloa yesterday (20th), he declared that resolving this long-festering issue would pave the way for a prosperous Sri Lanka. The MP commended the government and the police for their decisive actions against illegal drug trafficking and underworld gangs, including apprehending and bringing major criminals from countries like Indonesia and Nepal to justice. Srineshan stated that “if the national ethnic issue, which has festered for 76 years, is similarly resolved, it would build national unity, allow all citizens to live equally under the rule of law, and make the country a thriving and beautiful nation.” He emphasised that a just solution to the national ethnic issue is essential to combine divided political thoughts and people’s power against national unity. |
United contest in provincial council elections; MP Ajith P. Perera comments on the stance of UNP and SJBVirakesari
SJB MP Ajith P. Perera stated that the people of the country expect the UNP and the SJB, which share the same political policies, to unite and operate together. Therefore, he affirmed that the two parties will contest jointly in the upcoming provincial council election, and activities related to this are currently underway. The MP emphasised that the two parties should not remain separate and that their policies are largely the same, leading to the appointment of committees to pursue unification, with talks expected to begin soon. Perera claimed that parties that do not wish for the UNP and SJB to unite are trying to disrupt the process by raising questions about leadership. The MP noted that for the initial phase, leadership is not the priority for the provincial council election as neither Sajith Premadasa nor Ranil Wickremesinghe will be contesting. |
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Sri Lanka Mirror
“No one must reject the Buddhasasana Ministry” – Premadasa
Mawbima, Dinamina
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, asserted that the Ministry of Buddhasasana should not be rejected by anyone.
Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of establishing the Ministry of Buddhasasana as a Cabinet Ministry while also stating that State Ministries must be established for other religions as well.
Premadasa made this statement while attending the Katina Maha Pinkama (great merits-giving ceremony) at the Tanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya on Sunday (19th).
He further elaborated that during a time when the Sambuddhasasana (Buddhist Dispensation) was facing various challenges, Ranasinghe Premadasa established a Ministry and a Fund for the Buddhasasana to secure it as a head of state.
Premadasa stated that people should not hesitate to acknowledge the need for the Ministry of Buddhasasana.
He stressed that while a Cabinet Ministry exists, there must be an understanding to grant due status to other religions.
Providing State Ministries for the representation of the Hindu, Islam, Christian, and Catholic religions is important.
He concluded that unity and reconciliation among all nations and religions must be implemented and not just spoken about, by giving the Sambuddhasasana its proper place.
Fines for 132 Western (Province) bus conductors who did not issue tickets: fines imposed for 221 passengers as well
Divaina, Dinamina The Western Province Road Passenger Transport Authority has taken steps to issue fines to 360 individuals after inspecting 2,478 buses during raids carried out regarding the issuance of tickets to passengers on private buses in the Western Province. Chair of the Western Province Road Passenger Transport Authority, Retd. Commander Gamini Jasinghe stated that those penalised include 132 conductors who did not issue tickets and 221 passengers who did not obtain tickets or committed other offenses. These inspections have been carried out since October 1, and only awareness was created during the first 14 days. Accordingly, on September 15, seven passengers who did not obtain tickets were charged double the fare along with an additional levy of Rs. 100 each. A fine of Rs. 750 was issued to the 132 conductors who did not issue tickets, and they have also been suspended from duty for three days and referred to a one-day workshop. |
“Reveal health related fraud committed within the tenures of Pavithra, Chamara and Keheliya” – Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa requests investigation
Dinamina According to the latest audit reports, it has been revealed that the current health authorities are not cooperating to provide relevant information, despite the audit consistently inquiring about the corruption and irregularities that occurred within the Ministry of Health during the tenures of former Ministers of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Channa Jayasumana, and Keheliya Rambukwella. Therefore, President of the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa has requested the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to immediately investigate the matter. |
Foreign direct investment has increased by 138%
Dinamina
From January to September of this year (2025), Sri Lanka has received USD 827 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through projects approved by the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka.
The BOI states that this represents a 138% increase compared to the same period last year (2024).
This inflow of investment occurred through four sources: USD 111 million as equity capital, USD 132 million as reinvested retained earnings, USD 231 million as intercompany foreign borrowings for investments, and USD 331 million as long-term foreign commercial loans for investments.
The Board states that this FDI receipt was realised as USD 124 million through project agreements signed with the BOI in 2025, and this progress reflects both the growing confidence of new investors and the continued commitment of existing investors to expand their operations under a strong business environment.
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
Heavy rains to continue today: three deaths; 600 affected in four districts: landslide warnings for 44 divisional secretariats: Maha Oya and Deduru Oya at flood risk; sluice gates of many reservoirs opened
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Dinamina, Mawbima, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
The Disaster Management Centre states that three individuals have died and about 600 people in four districts have been affected due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions.
Due to accidents caused by the adverse weather, 142 houses have been partially damaged, and the water level in several rivers across the island has risen due to the heavy rainfall experienced over the past few days.
A flood risk has emerged in the Deduru Oya and Maha Oya.
Sluice gates to several reservoirs are also said to have opened.
Red notices have been issued to nine districts while landslide warnings have been issued for 44 divisional secretariats.
Papers report further that several train rides have also been cancelled due to bad weather.
“The PCID mission to seize hidden asset irregularities commences” – IGP | “USD 6 billion taken for projects, nowhere to be found” – Ananda Wijepala
Divaina, Dinamina, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasooriya stated that the Sri Lanka Police officially inaugurated the Proceeds of Crime Investigation Division (PCID) yesterday (20th).
The unit is located in the old Police Headquarters building and was inaugurated under the patronage of the Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala.
Wijepala, attending the ceremony, stated that there is no account for USD 6 billion out of the USD 8 billion received by the country as project loans in the recent past, and that someone has acquired this money.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Common priorities: Additional stories
1. [Ishara Sewwandi] has aided the murder of Sanjeewa due to her intention of going to Europe: she has also stayed in two houses in Jaffna: has cried out of fear when she was on the boat; although she aided the murder of Sanjeewa, she has not taken a payment – Lankadeepa, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
2. “Prepare a plan to expedite degree courses” – President tells FUTA – Mawbima, Aruna, Thinakaran, Thinakkural
3. CBSL Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe honoured with ‘A Grade’ award by Global Finance Magazine – Divaina, Dinamina, Thinakkural
4. SJB MP Rohana Bandara withdraws from work of the party – Dinamina, Thinakkural
[/paywall]