DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: “The main shooter linked to Lasantha’s murder, arrested; seven suspects arrested in special search operations conducted across the country | “A culture of murder has taken root” – Opposition leader expresses concern over Lasantha’s murder Thinakaran: “Intensive ongoing investigations have found four public representatives to be linked to underworld gangs” – Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala confirms | “Education reforms to be implemented from next year” – Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewe |
Thinakkural: “No one knows when or where a shooting might occur; 22 million lives at risk! The government has no proper plans to control this” – Strong criticism from Opposition Leader Sajith | “The underworld in the country, along with the drug trade and corrupt politics, are in their final stages!” – Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna | “Talks will begin soon on uniting the UNP and the SJB” – Thalatha Athukorale Thamilan: The new constitution poses a threat to the Tamil people! The government is planning to completely abolish the provincial council system; Sri Lanka preparing to proceed with India’s consent | The release of vehicles held by Customs: A special gazette issued by the president |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: Origins of the Weligama chairperson’s murder revealed; the shooter who escaped and evaded the police, arrested Divaina: Five suspects of the Weligama chairperson’s murder, including the motorcyclist, arrested; the shooter nabbed in Maharagama Mawbima: The Weligama murder: The shooter arrested in Maharagama, and three others, including the motorcyclist, arrested in Kekirawa| “Muslim nurses may dress in accordance with their cultural traditions while on duty” – Herath; “Do not alter the nursing uniform that has been recognised and accepted worldwide” – Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera
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Dinamina: The murderer of the Weligama chairperson caught in Maharagama Aruna: The shooter in Lasa’s murder arrested; the motorcyclist and five others also in custody Anidda: This paper is published on Fridays only |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: ONLANKA
“No one knows when or where a shooting might occur; 22 million lives at risk! The government has no proper plans to control this” – Strong criticism from Sajith
Thinakkural, Virakesari
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa claimed that the government lacks a proper plan to control the uncertain and insecure situation in the country, which he said has endangered the lives of 22 million people.
Speaking at an event in Ratnapura on Saturday (25th), he asserted that a culture of murder has surged this year, resulting in an increased number of deaths and injuries. Premadasa highlighted that the killing of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha chairperson in a shooting incident, which occurred while a public meeting was taking place, raises questions about the guarantee of safety for ordinary citizens.
The new constitution poses a threat to the Tamil people! The government is planning to completely abolish the provincial council system; Sri Lanka preparing to proceed with India’s consent
Thamilan Political analysts caution that the new constitution proposed by the NPP government risks removing the minimal powers currently devolved to the Tamil people. Reports indicate that the NPP leadership is considering abolishing the provincial council system, which provides for power-sharing, if a political solution is introduced through the new constitution for the Tamil people. Furthermore, a high-level delegation from the JVP is reportedly preparing to directly explain the rationale for abolishing the system to New Delhi, as India originally recommended the structure and maintains a continued interest. Analysts warn that given the prolonged inactivity of the provincial councils, the minimal solution provided to the Tamil people could be lost if Colombo guarantees a political solution while India, prioritising its regional economic and security interests, agrees to the removal of the provincial council system. |
“If there is no fear, hold the election” – The SJB challenges the government regarding the provincial council elections
Virakesari
SJB MP S.M. Marikkar challenged the government to conduct the provincial council election by the first quarter of 2026, claiming that the government is afraid following its heavy defeat at the cooperative society polls. He further argued that governance by governors, as representatives of the president, completely weakens the authority of provincial councils and insisted that these bodies be run by people’s representatives to protect the public’s democratic rights. |
“Bilateral talks will begin soon” – Thalatha Athukorale on the uniting of the SJB and UNP
Thinakkural, Virakesari UNP General Secretary Thalatha Athukorale announced that official talks with the SJB regarding a potential political collaboration are set to begin soon, with both parties having already agreed to the process. Athukorala stated that they anticipate reaching a final decision by the end of this year, noting that official talks were temporarily delayed as key members from both parties were travelling. |
“The use of modern mobile phones to be banned for children under 12” – Minister of Child Affairs Saroja PaulrajVirakesari
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj announced plans to ban the use of modern mobile phones by schoolchildren under the age of 12. Speaking at an event attended by school students, the minister further affirmed that the government’s aim is to protect children from excessive screen time and harmful online content, thereby promoting healthy growth and social interaction. |
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: www.aruna.lk
“Muslim nurses may dress in accordance with their cultural traditions while on duty” – Herath |“Do not alter the nursing uniform” – The Public Services United Nurses Union
Mawbima, Aruna
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath has assured that no legal obstacles prevent Muslim nurses in government hospitals from wearing attire that aligns with their religious and cultural practices. His remarks came following concerns raised by Muslim civil society groups, who said restrictions on head and leg coverings have discouraged many Muslim women from joining or remaining in the nursing profession.
Meanwhile, the Public Services United Nurses Union has opposed the decision, arguing that nursing uniforms in government hospitals follow internationally recognised standards. Its president, Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera, warned in a letter to Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa that the union would protest and consider trade union action if the uniform policy is altered.
“Ratama Ekata” to be launched on October 30
Dinamina, Divaina The national programme “Ratama Ekata” (Nation United – National Drive) to eradicate the drug menace will be launched on October 30 at the Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Addressing the media at the Presidential Secretariat, the president noted that drug-related crimes have become a national disaster, endangering youth and schoolchildren, and stressed the need for a coordinated national programme with efficient decision-making and broad public participation. |
“I don’t view Mahinda as a Buddha” – Ramanayake
Dinamina Speaking in Mirigama on October 24, former MP and veteran actor Ranjan Ramanayake strongly criticised former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family, citing their alleged corruption and the Supreme Court’s ruling that Sri Lanka was driven into bankruptcy during their tenure. “I do not approve of Mahinda Rajapaksa being compared to Lord Buddha. He took tsunami funds and faces multiple charges; to me, he does not resemble the Buddha,” he said. Ramanayake also praised the current government under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, stating that it has brought down corruption and made far fewer mistakes compared to previous administrations.
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COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: Daily Mirror
The suspected shooter of the Weligama chairperson’s assassination apprehended
Dinamina, Lankadeepa, Aruna, Mawbima, Divaina, Thinakkural, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thamilan
The police announced that the individual suspected to be the shooter in the assassination of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairperson Lasantha Wickramasekara was arrested yesterday (26th), along with several others believed to have assisted in the crime.
The arrests were made during a joint operation conducted by the CID and the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID), with support from the State Intelligence Service.
MP Jagath Vithana provided with police protection; MPs’ links to organised crime revealed
Aruna, Divaina, Dinamina, Lankadeepa, Mawbima, Thinakkural, Thinakaran
The police have provided security to SJB MP Jagath Vithana, assigning two officers from the Ministerial Security Division for his protection.
According to Aruna and Divaina, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya stated that Vithana had received death threats from a gang allegedly led by underworld figure Mathugama Shan, who is currently overseas. The IGP further noted that a comprehensive investigation is underway, during which it has been revealed that Vithana maintains connections with criminal groups.
Thankkural also reports a related statement by Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, who stated that ongoing investigations have uncovered links between four public representatives and organised underworld gangs.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. The adverse weather has affected 18 districts; thousands harmed; the depression likely to intensify into a cyclone tomorrow – Lankadeepa, Divaina, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thamilan
2. “The country’s law has become the law of the jungle” – Premadasa – Aruna, Virakesari
3.The government issues a gazette to facilitate the release of vehicles held by Customs – Aruna, Thamilan
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