DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: 37 people killed due to adverse weather; 21 people missing; 5,800 people affected in 20 districts Thinakaran: MPs instructed to undertake emergency work in affected areas; Rs. 1 million to families of those killed in natural disasters | Natural disaster continues; Death toll rises to 40 |
Thinakkural: MPs instructed to undertake emergency work in affected areas; Rs. 1 million to families of those killed in natural disasters | Natural disaster continues; Death toll rises to 40 Thamilan: The country is paralysed by the adverse weather! ‘Ditwah’ Cyclone gripped Sri Lanka; 40 people killed in disasters; Warning for fisherfolk; Landslide and flood risks continue |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: The entire country in turmoil from the disaster: 30 deaths in 24 hours; 21 missing – 1,729 families displaced; 19 in Badulla and five in Ududumbara buried alive; damages to 434 houses and buildings; 10 injured; red alerts issued for seven districts: 20 districts severely affected; an emergency situation in Kandy; the highest rainfall of 373 mm recorded in Ududumbara Divaina: The weather turns rough and claims 40 lives | Inform all disasters to 117 | No A/L examination yesterday, today and tomorrow | A bus carrying passengers rescued after being swept away by the current Mawbima: ‘Ditwah’ runs amok: Cyclones, landslides and floods around the island; 40 deaths – 23 in Badulla alone; 17 missing; sluicegates of 43 reservoirs opened; severe damages to 75 roads; a holiday for the government service, excluding essential services; landslides bury 10 houses in Ududumbara and Pahatha Hewahata
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Dinamina: The heaviest rains in history; 48 lives claimed by adverse weather; many families displaced; Rs. 1 million in compensation for each victim of the disaster; relief teams on alert around the country Aruna: Rainfall increases; ‘Ditwah’ races around the country; severe impacts until November 30; gusts of wind at 80 km/h Anidda: This newspaper was unavailable at the time of publishing FrontPage |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Tamil Guardian
Maaveerar Naal commemoration held with deep emotional fervour in the North and East; People gathered to pay respects despite pouring rain; Maaveerar Thuyilum Illams (Resting Places) soaked in tears
Thinakkural, Virakesari
Maaveerar Naal (Great Heroes’ Day) was observed with great emotion yesterday (27th) in the North and East as well as by the diaspora.
A large number of people gathered at Maaveerar Thuyilum Illams (Great Heroes’ Resting Places) to pay tribute to their relatives who lost their lives in the struggle, despite the heavy rain.
Following requests by organising committees, many business establishments in the North and East remained closed after 12 noon.
The main flame was lit at 6:07 p.m. following the ringing of the remembrance bell at 6:05 p.m. and a minute of silence.
The day was observed at the University of Jaffna and the Eastern University.
Virakesari and Thamilan report that ITAK MPs R. Shanakiyan and K.S. Kugathasan paid tribute to the Maaveerar in the parliament complex.
“Thanks to the government for providing the opportunity to pay tribute freely in the North and East” – Shanakiyan Rasamanickam
Thinakaran ITAK MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam thanked the NPP government for allowing the people of the North and East to freely commemorate Maaveerar Naal (Great Heroes’ Day). Speaking in parliament yesterday (27th), he noted that the public could currently conduct remembrance events without the intimidation faced in the past, and he paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives. However, the MP cautioned that while previous governments also permitted such commemorations during their first two years, they later utilised the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to arrest and interrogate organisers. He urged the government to ensure this pattern is not repeated while acknowledging the current freedom provided. |
Will Udith Lokubandara be arrested?
Thamilan Reports indicate that Udith Lokubandara, former Private Secretary to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, faces potential arrest for possessing a concealed firearm without a valid licence during an opposition rally in Nugegoda. The Nugegoda Divisional Criminal Investigation Unit seized the pistol from his residence on November 25 and recorded a statement, noting that he had failed to obtain the annual licence after the Ministry of Defence returned the weapon to him a month prior. A senior police officer confirmed that legal action will be taken following investigations into the incident, where Lokubandara was photographed concealing the weapon in a bag while on stage near SLPP National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa.
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Colombo District Emergencies; Review under the leadership of the Prime Minister
Thinakaran
A meeting to discuss disaster preparedness in the Colombo District due to adverse weather was held yesterday (27th) at the Parliament complex under the patronage of the Prime Minister.
Key officials from the Colombo District Disaster Management Centre participated in the discussion.
Emergency hotlines were introduced to report disasters; the public can contact the Colombo District Coordinating Unit on 011 243 4028 and the Disaster Management Centre on 011 213 6136.
Furthermore, the public has been requested to rely solely on news and announcements released by recognised media outlets.
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Sri Lanka Mirror
“From 2021 to the present, the [central] government has obtained Rs. 30.93 trillion in loans” – Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha
Divaina
Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando stated in parliament yesterday (27th) that the central government has obtained loans amounting to Rs. 30.93 trillion from 2021 to September this year.
Responding to a question raised by New Democratic Front (NDF) MP Ravi Karunanayake, the minister clarified that this figure comprises USD 64.5 billion in domestic debt and USD 36.7 billion in foreign debt.
He outlined the accumulation of debt over the years, noting that the total debt stock increased from Rs. 17.6 trillion in 2021 to Rs. 29.6 trillion in 2024.
Has Imran Khan been murdered?
Aruna, Divaina Rumours circulating on social media regarding the alleged death of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Adiala Jail have triggered significant public unrest and protests by his supporters. Pakistani authorities, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, denied these claims, asserting that Khan is in good health and is being provided with excellent facilities. Khan’s sisters, who staged a protest outside the prison after being denied visitation rights for several weeks, alleged that they were assaulted by the police during the demonstration. However, prison officials have reportedly promised to grant the family access to visit Khan, prompting the conclusion of the protests. |
Issuance of online [driving] licences blocked
Aruna The Department of Motor Traffic has temporarily suspended online driving licence issuance services at the Werahera head office and 11 district offices due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions. A power outage caused by the adverse weather disrupted the department’s data system, leading to this service interruption. However, Commissioner General of Motor Traffic Kamal Amarasinghe confirmed that the normal procedure for issuing driving licences continues in the district offices where they are issued in the usual way. |
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
The heaviest rains in history; 48 lives claimed by adverse weather; many families displaced; Rs. 1 million in compensation for each victim of the disaster; relief teams on alert around the country | “Intervene to provide relief” – The president instructs government and opposition MPs
Aruna, Dinamina, Divaina, Mawbima, Lankadeepa, Thinakkural, Thinakaran, Thamilan, Virakesari
The Department of Meteorology announced that Cyclone Ditwah entered the island yesterday (27th), resulting in at least 48 deaths and leaving 21 individuals missing due to adverse weather conditions.
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that over 5,800 individuals across 20 districts have been affected, with heavy rains exceeding 300 mm and strong winds up to 80 kmph expected to continue until November 30.
Red landslide warnings have been issued for several districts, while the Department of Irrigation warned of major flood risks as a number of major reservoirs began spilling.
Meanwhile, during a special meeting held at the parliament complex yesterday (27th), President Anura Kumara Dissanayake directed MPs representing the affected districts to immediately visit their respective electorates to coordinate relief efforts and ensure public safety.
The government has also decided to grant compensation of Rs. 1 million to the families of individuals who lost their lives due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions, following instructions issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to the President’s Fund.
Considering the difficulties in maintaining routine operations amidst the prevailing emergency disaster situation, the Ministry of Public Administration has declared today (28th) as a special public holiday for government offices.
However, officials attached to essential services are required to report for duty despite the declared holiday.
Additionally, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) stated that 45,000 complaints have been received so far on electricity breakdowns around the island.
The tri-forces have been deployed for rescue operations, including airlifting stranded individuals.
“A disaster situation has not been declared yet, despite the massive destruction that has occurred in the country” – Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa states in parliament | “Declare a disaster situation in the country immediately” – [The opposition leader]
Dinamina, Divaina, Mawbima, Thinakkural
Speaking in parliament yesterday (27th), Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa urged the government to immediately declare a disaster situation and summon the relevant officials, criticising the delay despite the severe weather and cyclone threat.
Premadasa expressed regret that such a declaration had not been made even after he had raised the issue with the president, implying that the government was unaware of the relevant legal frameworks.
While extending his condolences to the victims and thanking the security forces and officials involved in relief operations, the opposition leader requested immediate relief for the affected population.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. The A/L examination postponed due to rain, rescheduled to December 7, 8 and 9 – Aruna, Dinamina, Divaina, Mawbima, Thinakkural, Thinakaran, Thamilan
2. The budget debate [in parliament] will not be held today and tomorrow | The parliament to not convene tomorrow – Dinamina, Divaina, Thamilan, Thinakkural
3. 9,100 BYD vehicles imported to Sri Lanka – Divaina, Thamilan
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