DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: Attack on the Israeli Prime Minister’s office; Iranian Revolutionary Guard announces missile strike | “If the war intensifies, price increases are inevitable; imports will not be affected” — Petroleum Corporation | “War can never be recognised; we will raise our voice internationally for the welfare of the region” — Government announcement Thinakaran: “Government closely monitoring Middle East due to direct economic ties” – Minister Nalinda Jayatissa | Government employees’ housing loan increased to Rs. 5 million! | New number +94 704776008 to connect Sri Lankans in the Middle East |
Thinakkural: Expanding Iranian retaliation; Arab countries becoming a major war front! Joint US-Israel attacks on 130 Iranian cities in a single day; intense strikes continue for the third day | “The war will last 4 weeks! 9 Iranian warships destroyed” — Trump | 3 American F-15 fighter jets shot down | Attack on the Israeli Prime Minister’s office! Thamilan: Iran rose aggressively; barrage of attacks on American positions! Great tension in the Middle East due to fears of a nuclear attack |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: The Middle East turns worse: four oil vessels destroyed: crude oil prices increased; 350 oil and gas vessels stuck at the Strait of Hormuz Divaina: War worsened: Iran attacks several places in the Middle East; “the war will be prolonged by several weeks” – Trump; not prepared for discussions with the US – Iran states Mawbima: Obstructions to recall Sri Lankans amidst the air travel crisis in the Middle East: visas of foreigners stuck in Sri Lanka, extended | “The ‘righteous operation’ against Iran will continue until the final goal is achieved” – Donald Trump states; Iran continues to attack supporters of the US; energy supply disrupted
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Dinamina: QR not required: There is plenty of fuel, do not collect fuel at homes; Several more ships are on the way; Fuel distribution continues; If oil is given in containers, licences will be cancelled; Police security for filling stations – Government states Aruna: Middle East’s largest refinery, which processes 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day, comes under attack; “If Iran does not lay down its arms, death is certain” – A threat from Trump; Israel bombs Lebanon, 31 dead; For months, American intelligence agencies have monitored the movements of Ali Khamenei Anidda: This paper is published only on Fridays |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
“I refused the post of Justice Minister, prioritising the aspirations of the Tamils” — Sumanthiran
Thinakkural, Virakesari
IITAK General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran revealed that he rejected an offer from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to serve as the minister of justice following the latter’s assumption of office.
Speaking at a memorial event for late journalist Bharathi Rajanayagam at the Colombo Tamil Sangam on May 1, Sumanthiran clarified that his refusal was based on the party’s commitment to achieving autonomy for the North and East.
He addressed allegations that Tamil nationalist representatives seek personal gain, noting that, unlike leaders of Hill Country and Muslim parties, Tamil nationalist MPs have consistently declined ministerial positions to remain firm on the Tamil people’s aspirations.
Sumanthiran further highlighted ideological differences with the NPP, specifically pointing to the JVP’s 1989 policy shift that retracted support for the self-determination of Tamils and its historical opposition to the provincial council system established under the 13th Amendment to the constitution.
“Acts violating laws will cause global tension; Powers of superpowers must be limited” – Hakeem
Thinakaran SLMC leader MP Rauff Hakeem stated that the power wielded by global superpowers to attack other nations will adversely impact developing and small countries like Sri Lanka. Speaking at the Tamil Union ceremony at the Sri Lanka Law College last Saturday (28th), he noted that the world is facing a tense era due to superpowers acting in violation of international laws and norms, particularly in the Middle East. Hakeem expressed concern over the economic repercussions of these conflicts, highlighting that rising oil prices will exacerbate Sri Lanka’s existing financial crisis as the country prepares to repay billions in debt starting next year. He further questioned whether the IMF, which he claimed is under US control, would agree to further debt restructuring amidst these tensions. |
Government employees’ housing loan increased to Rs. 5 million!Thinakaran
The housing loan limit provided to public sector employees at concessional interest rates has been increased to Rs. 5 million. This new measure, proposed in the 2026 Budget, came into effect yesterday (1st). Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration Aloka Bandara issued the relevant circular, noting that the decision was made considering the welfare of government employees, the current economic climate, and rising construction costs. Previously, the maximum housing loan amount available to public sector employees was Rs. 3 million. |
Protest against Thaiyiddy Tissa Vihara
Thinakkural The Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF), alongside affected civilians, conducted a monthly protest near the Tissa Vihara in Thaiyiddy yesterday (2nd) from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The demonstrators demanded the removal of the illegally constructed vihara and the return of the surrounding lands to their original owners. This followed an initial demonstration held the previous evening (1st) from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Participants included the chairperson of the Valikamam East Pradeshiya Sabha, T. Nirosh, local government members of the TNPF, and landowners, while a significant police presence was observed at the site. |
“A presidential commission must be established to investigate killed journalists” — HakeemVirakesari SLMC leader and MP Rauff Hakeem called for the establishment of a special presidential commission to investigate the killing and enforced disappearance of journalists across the country. Speaking at a memorial for the late veteran journalist Bharathi Rajanayagam, Hakeem emphasised that such a commission is essential to uncover the truth and ensure justice. He commended Rajanayagam for his 40-year career maintained without compromise during periods of severe threats to media freedom. Hakeem further noted that while investigations and recent arrests are proceeding regarding the Easter Sunday terror attacks, a similar focused mechanism is required for crimes against the press. |
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Anadolu Agency
The price of one barrel of crude oil increased to USD 82
Lankadeepa, Mawbima
Brent crude oil skyrocketed to over USD 82 per barrel on March 2, 2026, marking a staggering 24% price hike from its January average of approximately USD 66.
This surge, the highest in over a year, is driven by escalating military tensions and direct strikes in the Middle East, including an attack on the region’s largest refinery.
With over 350 vessels currently stalled at the Strait of Hormuz, the disruption to this vital energy chokepoint has severely constrained global supply.
Analysts warn that the ongoing crisis continues to push prices upward, threatening further global economic instability.Brent crude oil skyrocketed to over USD 82 per barrel on March 2, 2026, marking a staggering 24% price hike from its January average of approximately USD 66.
This surge, the highest in over a year, is driven by escalating military tensions and direct strikes in the Middle East, including an attack on the region’s largest refinery.
With over 350 vessels currently stalled at the Strait of Hormuz, the disruption to this vital energy chokepoint has severely constrained global supply.
Analysts warn that the ongoing crisis continues to push prices upward, threatening further global economic instability.
There is no fuel shortage — Fuel station ownersDinamina Fuel station owners state that although a suspicion has arisen among the public that a fuel shortage may occur in Sri Lanka due to the war situation in the Middle East region, there is an adequate supply of fuel at the majority of the country’s fuel stations. They also added that although Sunday (1st) and yesterday (2nd) were holidays, several fuel bowsers carrying diesel and petrol arrived at their stations. Fuel station owners state that there is currently no fuel shortage and that fuel is being issued normally as it is received. |
There are enough fuel stocks — IOC statesDinamina Lanka IOC informs that there are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel in its supply centres as well. The company also states that distribution activities are being carried out properly at all supply centres located across Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the company rejects statements that a fuel shortage may occur in the country and states that the petrol stocks currently held by the company are sufficient for a period of 34 days, and, based on current supply levels, diesel stocks are sufficient for 26 days. The company emphasises that there is no fuel shortage at this time and requests consumers to refrain from purchasing or unnecessary stockpiling based on such fears. |
A gazette for 16 essential services, including fuel and gas
Aruna
Considering the post-disaster situation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the president has issued an Extraordinary Gazette naming 15 services as essential services under the Essential Public Services Act to maintain normal civilian life.
By order of the president, Secretary to the President, Dr N.S. Kumanayake issued this Extraordinary Gazette on February 28.
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: NDTV
War worsened: Iran attacks several places in the Middle East; “the war will be prolonged by several weeks” – Trump; not prepared for discussions with the US – Iran states
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
The Middle East has been plunged into a severe crisis following a series of devastating military strikes and the disruption of global energy routes.
The region’s largest refinery, which processes 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day, has come under attack, while the destruction of four oil vessels has caused crude oil prices to surge.
Currently, 350 oil and gas vessels are stuck at the Strait of Hormuz as the conflict worsens.
Papers reported further that Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum, stating, “If Iran does not lay down its arms, death is certain.”
This follows revelations that American intelligence agencies monitored the movements of Ali Khamenei for months.
Reports indicate that 555 Iranians, including many high-ranking individuals, have been killed.
Meanwhile, the conflict has spread, with Israel bombing Lebanon, leaving 31 dead, and Iran continuing to target supporters of the United States.
The papers also highlight that while Donald Trump has stated that the “righteous operation” will continue until the final goal is achieved, he noted the war could be prolonged by several weeks.
Despite the worsening situation and the severe impact on the energy supply, Iran remains firm, stating it is not prepared for any discussions with the United States.
“The government will definitely focus on extending the State of Emergency again” – Minister Nalinda Jayatissa
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural
Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the government’s attention has been focused on extending the State of Emergency and that the proposal regarding this is expected to be presented to parliament next week.
The minister stated this in response to a query made by a journalist regarding whether the government’s attention has been focused on re-extending the emergency law.
The Minister made the statement during a special media briefing held yesterday (2nd) at the Department of Government Information.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. “If the war is prolonged, crude oil will be brought from the US and Nigeria” | “No need for a QR code to distribute fuel” — Chair of CPC/CPSTL Janaka Rajakaruna – Lankadeepa, Divaina, Dinamina, Virakesari, Thinakaran
2. “The whole country knows who Sallay worked for” | “Secret intelligence unit operated by Gota in Colombo; Suresh Sallay’s arrest is correct” — Sarath Fonseka – Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakkural
3. “Cannot agree with what Trump is doing” — Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe – Mawbima, Virakesari, Thinakkural
4. “The government will intervene in providing protection to the one million Sri Lankan workers in the Middle East” – Minister Nalinda Jayatissa – Divaina, Dinamina, Thinakaran
5. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa calls the opposition today to discuss the situation in the Middle East – Mawbima, Virakesari
6. “Will strictly enforce the law if the public is aggravated by creating a false fuel shortage” – Minister Nalinda Jayatissa – Mawbima, Virakesari
7. “Foreigners’ visas will be extended by two weeks” – Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa– Mawbima, Virakesari
8. A WhatsApp number to inquire information regarding those [Sri Lankans] working in the Middle East – Dinamina, Thinakaran
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