DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: “No time limit can be set for the new constitution; it can be created from past drafts” – Minister Harshana [Nanayakkara] | “The salary increase agreement has no legal authority” – MP Jeevan Thondaman states | “What is the objective of the Mahaweli ‘Zone K’?” – MP Shanakiyan questions | “There was no drug use in the North during Prabhakaran’s time” – MP Radhakrishnan points out in parliament Thinakaran: “AI should be used to enhance the cultural and value-based skills of humanity; Sri Lanka is also ready to move forward in a collective effort with other nations” – The president | President Anura Kumara Dissanayake meets Indian Prime Minister Modi |
Thinakkural: Threatening letter sent to the Jaffna district secretary regarding Thaiyiddy Tissa Vihara! MP Gajendrakumar accuses the president of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress and retired police intelligence chief | “Bimal has created a shadow government in the North” – MP Gajendrakumar expresses severe distress | Photograph: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake meets Indian Prime Minister Modi Thamilan: “Sri Lanka is ready to move forward with common values regarding AI” – President Anura assures in New Delhi | Photograph: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake meets Indian Prime Minister Modi |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: Rs. 20 million scammed from a doctor: An additional secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration arrested Divaina: The CID apologises for arresting Nathasha Edirisooriya under the ICCPR Act: “A circular within two weeks to prevent arrests being made under the act” – The AG informs the court Mawbima: Eight bank accounts belonging to the Kadawatha lawyer who allegedly aided the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa found under a forged ID – The CID informs the court | Gas queues everywhere; “There is no shortage of gas, two ships are on the way” – Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe; The supply was disrupted for two days – Litro Gas Lanka LTD
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Dinamina: New laws for microfinance companies that exploit the public – The Ministry of Finance to take measures in this regard Aruna: “The ships are on the way” – Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe | “The public has been rendered helpless due to the [gas] queues” – Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa | There is a shortage of 75% of Laugfs gas – LAUGFS Holdings Limited | There are sufficient stocks of Litro gas – Litro Gas Lanka LTD Anidda: The funds received from selling duty-free vehicles taken for the party by the JVP: In addition to MP salaries, staff salaries also taken for the party |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Tamil Guardian
“A shadow government in the North: Five appointed to ministerial posts; a spineless, disgraceful act” – MP Gajendrakumar expresses distress
Thinakkural, Virakesari, Thamilan
All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC) MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam expressed strong dissatisfaction in parliament yesterday (19th) over the alleged creation of a shadow government in the Northern Province while delaying provincial council elections.
Ponnambalam claimed that following an order by Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and Leader of the House of Parliament Bimal Rathnayake during a recent Jaffna visit, five individuals—Sri Bhavanandaraja, Jegatheeswaran, Rajeevan, Ilankumaran, and Thilaganathan—were appointed as shadow ministers for various sectors, including health and education.
Ponnambalam also criticised the exclusion of other elected MPs from provincial meetings, such as a recent Ministry of Health session led by the Northern Province governor, where only NPP MP S. Sri Bavanandarajah was invited.
“What is the objective of the Mahaweli ‘Zone K’?” – MP Shanakiyan questions
Virakesari, Thamilan ITAK MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam raised questions in parliament regarding the location, extent, and objectives of the newly proposed Mahaweli ‘Zone K’. The MP inquired whether the national ethnic ratio is strictly maintained during land distribution and settlements under Mahaweli projects, as mandated by the 13th Amendment. Expressing concern over the Kivul Oya project in Mullaitivu and Vavuniya, as well as the issues in Mylathamadu and Madhavanai, he alleged that these projects are altering the ethnic composition of native Tamil areas through planned settlements. The MP questioned the difficulty in releasing 3,000 hectares of grazing land when 13,000 acres are being utilised for the Kivul Oya project. |
Investigations stalled due to SIM re-registration! Shocking information by MP Mujibur in parliament: Questions raised regarding the president’s Gazette as wellThamilan
SJB MP Mujibur Rahman claimed in parliament yesterday (19th) that a recent presidential gazette mandating the re-registration of SIM cards issued before August 2, 2019, is a calculated attempt to protect telecommunications companies and obstruct justice for unsolved high-profile murders. Rahman noted that investigations into the murders of Lasantha Wickrematunge, Wasim Thajudeen, and others have been stalled due to the absence of phone records, including over 60 calls made on the day of Thajudeen’s death. The MP highlighted that Hans Wijayasuriya, who was an operational official at Dialog during that period, now serves as the president’s chief advisor on the digital economy. Rahman argued that re-registering old SIM cards would allow companies to claim they no longer possess the original owner’s data, effectively shielding political figures and perpetrators linked to these 2019 crimes. |
“Concern must be shown towards the Hill Country Tamil community as well” – Mano Ganesan emphasises during a meeting with Swiss Ambassador Siri Walt
Virakesari Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Leader MP Mano Ganesan met with Swiss Ambassador Siri Walt in Colombo yesterday (19th) to urge greater international attention to the rights of the Hill Country Tamil community. Ganesan noted that despite their evolution as a distinct national ethnic group with aspirations for land, housing, and political rights, the government continues to treat their grievances merely as labour issues. He specifically highlighted the systematic exclusion of plantation communities from post-disaster reconstruction following Cyclone Ditwah. The TPA delegation requested the Swiss government to advocate for these rights and proposed that land rights for the community be included as a condition for the EU’s GSP+ trade concessions. |
“No time limit can be set for the new constitution; it can be created from past drafts” – Minister Harshana [Nanayakkara]Virakesari Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the process of drafting a new constitution does not need to start from scratch. Addressing a media briefing at the Department of Government Information yesterday (19th), the minister noted that the work can proceed by using drafts and documents prepared in the past as a foundation. However, he emphasised that a definitive timeline for the completion of the drafting process cannot be provided at this stage. |
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Lanka Leader.lk
The CID apologises for arresting Nathasha Edirisooriya under the ICCPR Act
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Mawbima, Aruna, Anidda
A former officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Computer Crimes Investigation Division (CCID) of the CID expressed regret yesterday (19th) before the Supreme Court regarding the arrest of comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya. Edirisooriya had been taken into custody under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act following allegations of insulting Buddhism.
In addition to the formal expression of regret submitted via a letter by the state counsel, the court also received an update on future police conduct. The state counsel noted that the inspector general of police (IGP) has decided to implement a new set of guidelines. These procedures are intended to govern future arrests made under the ICCPR Act to ensure the law is not misused and to prevent unlawful actions by law enforcement.
There is no shortage, there are enough stocks — Litro Gas Lanka LTDLankadeepa, Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna Litro Gas Lanka LTD issued a statement claiming that there will be no gas shortage in the future and that sufficient stocks are available. The company requested consumers not to create panic by engaging in unnecessary purchases. Litro Gas Lanka added that the recent gas shortage was caused by an unexpected increase in demand and a two-day suspension of gas supplies starting from February 14, 2026. The company stated that 284,000 domestic refill cylinders were released to the market on February 17 and 18. Furthermore, the statement added that another 351,000 domestic gas cylinders are scheduled to be released to the market from yesterday (19) until Saturday (21st). |
Maithree Wickremesinghe to not appear before the CID citing health reasonsAruna The spouse of former President Ranil Wickremsinghe, Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe, informed the CID yesterday (19th) that she is unable to appear before the department today (20th) to provide a statement regarding an investigation into the alleged misuse of over Rs. 16.6 million in state funds for a private visit to England by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Maithree Wickramasinghe notified the CID via a letter that she is unable to attend today (20th) due to health reasons. She further informed the CID that doctors have advised her to receive treatment at her residence due to health conditions, and therefore requested that the relevant statement be recorded on March 3 or 4 at her residence located in 5th Lane, Colombo 3. |
New laws for microfinance companies that exploit the public – The Ministry of Finance to take steps in this regard
Dinamina
The Ministry of Finance is taking steps to introduce new regulations aimed at strictly supervising informal microfinance companies and institutions that exploit the poor and low-income population in Sri Lanka under the guise of meeting their financial needs.
A senior official of the Ministry of Finance stated that a bill is being drafted to fulfill the necessary legal requirements, including the establishment of the “Sri Lanka Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority,” to protect the rights of microfinance borrowers and ensure transparency in the lending process.
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: Sri Lanka Mirror
“There is a serious gas shortage in the country” – Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa | “There is no shortage; more ships will be arriving” – Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated in parliament yesterday (19th) that depriving the public of gas is a violation of their human rights. Commenting on the alleged gas shortage, the opposition leader added that a gas shortage has persisted for several days, resulting in gas queues forming everywhere and leaving consumers helpless. He stated that he is drawing the government’s attention to this matter and requested that a solution be provided for the gas shortage.
Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe stated in parliament yesterday (19th) that an opinion was presented in parliament regarding a gas shortage and noted the need to inform the people of the country about the current situation in this regard.
Expressing further views, the minister added that Litro Gas Lanka LTD is increasing its gas supply and releasing 1,500 metric tonnes to the market daily. He stated that the calling of tenders for this purpose was done transparently and the best possible supplier has been selected. Samarasinghe added that 23,000 metric tonnes were required in January and 28,000 metric tonnes were requested for February. He further stated that 18,078 metric tonnes have been received so far, and three ships are scheduled to arrive in February.
“Sri Lanka is ready to move forward collectively by sharing common values of AI” – President Dissanayake at the AI Impact Summit 2026
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that Sri Lanka is ready to move forward collectively by sharing common values regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and added that AI technology should be utilised to promote the cultural values and capabilities of humanity. Dissanayake further expressed that AI infrastructure represents the next frontier of economic and cultural cooperation. The president made this statement while presenting his views yesterday (19th) during the Leaders’ Plenary session of the AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. MP benefits list presented to parliament | “Reveal the party accounts of the UNP, SJB, and the SLPP” – PM Amarasuriya – Lankadeepa, Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina, Virakesari, Thinakkural, Thamilan
2. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested – Lankadeepa, Mawbima, Thamilan
3. “1.1 million civil and criminal cases have been halted” – The minister of justice – Aruna, Virakesari
4. The Krrish case against SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa postponed to April 4 – Divaina, Aruna, Thamilan
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