DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: “Houthi rebels’ entry into the war is a major blow to Sri Lanka; what are the government’s plans to face the situation?” – Opposition Leader Sajith questions | Extension of the State of Emergency Thinakaran: Another Indian fuel tanker has arrived in Sri Lanka | State of Emergency extended by another month | President Anura thanks Indian PM Modi |
Thinakkural: “Houthi rebels jumping into the Middle East war; Sri Lanka could face severe crises! Oil prices may also rise; reserves will decrease, and the value of the Rupee will fall; annual transport fares will also increase; the country’s sovereignty could also be affected” – Opposition Leader Sajith’s serious warning | Iran attacks Kuwait, Dubai; what happened to more than 1,500 American troops? | “If you set foot in Iran, you will only leave in a coffin” – A stern warning to Trump Thamilan: “Injustice in promotion!” – Shani Abeysekara complains | Temperature will be at its peak today; special announcement | US secret plan for ground attack: “We are waiting for your arrival!” – Iranian Speaker Qalibaf’s public announcement; vows to punish regional allies |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: FSri Lanka in crisis if Hormuz is closed: second country among the 20 countries to be most affected; price of food to rise by 15%; a 3.47% decline in the economy | “Hasten the Trincomalee oil tank project” — PM Modi requests Divaina: Mobile fuel station seized in Warakapola, together with tank full of 1,235 litres of diesel and attached pump
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Dinamina: The Thripitaka, Railway Department, Supreme Court, and Karapitiya Hospital are undergoing digitisation Aruna: 50,000 kg of vegetables and fruits wasted daily due to the fuel crisis Anidda: This paper is published only on Fridays |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
“Houthi rebels’ entry into the war is a major blow to Sri Lanka; what are the government’s plans to face the situation?” – Opposition Leader Sajith questions
Virakesari, Thinakkural
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa warned that escalating Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait could trigger a severe economic crisis in Sri Lanka.
He noted that as this strait connects the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean, any disruption to the 6-9 million barrels of oil and 8% of global LNG passing through daily would lead to a sharp rise in fuel and electricity costs.
Premadasa highlighted that diverting ships around the Cape of Good Hope would increase freight and insurance premiums by approximately 30%, directly driving up the prices of essential food, medicine, and fertiliser.
This shift threatens the competitiveness of key exports like tea and garments to the EU, potentially leading to a devalued rupee and cost-push inflation.
Furthermore, he cautioned that the Indian Ocean could transform into a war zone, urging the government to maintain a non-aligned foreign policy and implement an immediate contingency plan to safeguard national sovereignty and the supply chain.
“Only a political solution that recognises Eelam Tamils as a national ethnic group will ensure equality” – Pointed out by participants at a seminar held at the Jaffna Media Unit
Virakesari The Jaffna Media Centre, citing civil society structures in the North and East, urged Tamil MPs and public organisations to reach a consensus on a political solution that ensures the sovereignty and self-determination of the Tamil people. The centre highlighted concerns regarding the current NPP government’s two-thirds majority, warning of a potential unilateral constitutional imposition that could mirror the historical rejection of the 1947, 1972, and 1978 constitutions. The Jaffna Media Centre further emphasised the need for an independent platform to resolve ideological differences between proposals from the ITAK and the Tamil People’s Council. This collective dialogue is deemed essential to safeguard the permanent homeland of the Tamil nation through a formal political settlement. |
Theepachelvan’s books detained in ColomboThamilan
Author Theepachelvan alleged that the Sri Lanka Customs detained his books, including Nadukal, Bayangaravathi, Cyanide, and Ezhuththal Naan Yuththam Seigiren, claiming they could harm national unity. The books, sent from India, are reportedly being held pending approval from the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Defence. Theepachelvan wrote to Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, clarifying that his work focuses on the lives of war-affected people and students rather than undermining the state. The author expressed hope that under the administration of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, artistic freedom would be upheld, noting that some of these titles have already been translated and welcomed by Sinhala readers. Minister Sunil Senevi has reportedly contacted the author and assured him that swift action will be taken regarding the matter. |
“Injustice in promotion!” – Shani Abeysekara complains
Thamilan Director of the CID, Senior SP Shani Abeysekara, has filed a petition with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal after the Police Commission rejected a recommendation to promote him to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG). The complaint, heard before a commission led by former Supreme Court Justice K.T. Chitrasiri, alleges that the Police Commission’s refusal to accept the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) recommendation has resulted in an injustice. In response, Police Commission sources stated the recommendation was rejected due to legal complications, as Abeysekara is currently serving on a contract basis following his formal retirement. The tribunal has scheduled a further hearing for April 23, where Abeysekara will be represented by President’s Counsel Dilrukshi Dias Wickramasinghe. |
“Stern legal action to control sand mafia in the North” – Minister ChandrasekarThinakaran Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekar announced that the government will strictly enforce laws to forfeit vehicles involved in persistent illegal sand smuggling. During a high-level meeting at the Northern Province Governor’s office on Saturday (28), the minister outlined a three-tier penalty system: a Rs. 50,000 fine for the first offence, a Rs. 2 million fine for the second, and state acquisition of the vehicle for the third. He noted that sand mafias currently sell a tipper load for up to Rs. 120,000, whereas regulated pricing through a new permit system would reduce it to between Rs. 55,000 and Rs. 65,000. Minister Chandrasekar emphasised that the NPP government would not tolerate political or police influence backing these illegal operations, especially following the recent deaths of six individuals and a police officer linked to smuggling activities. To facilitate public reporting, a dedicated hotline will soon be established to allow citizens to provide information safely. |
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
Sri Lanka in crisis if Hormuz is closed: second country among the 20 countries to be most affected; price of food to rise by 15%
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Aruna
A study conducted by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy states that Sri Lanka has been identified as the second most vulnerable country to experience sharp increases in food prices if the Strait of Hormuz is closed.
Disruptions to fuel and gas shipments through the strait, triggered by the ongoing US–Israel conflict with Iran, have already driven global energy prices higher, affecting many countries, including Sri Lanka.
The research indicates further that if the strait is fully closed, Sri Lanka would rank second among countries facing the steepest rise in food prices, with an increase of over 15% anticipated.
Chief of the RMV remandedLankadeepa, Divaina, Dinamina, Aruna The Commissioner General of Motor Traffic, Kamal Amarasinghe, was remanded until today (30th) by the Kurunegala Pilessa Magistrate’s Court. Amarasinghe was arrested on Friday (27th) by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over allegations of aiding and abetting the alteration of a chassis number of a cab and facilitating a fraudulent vehicle registration. Following his arrest, Amarasinghe was produced before the Kurunegala Pilessa Magistrate’s Court, which ordered that he be remanded until today (30th). |
The US prepared to launch ground operations — The Washington PostLankadeepa, Divaina The Washington Post reported on Saturday (28th), citing US officials, that the Pentagon is preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran. It reported further that plans could involve raids by Special Operations and conventional infantry troops. The report continues that the operations will be launched while peace talks to end the war are underway and adds that these operations may last weeks. The Washington Post added that these operations have not yet been approved by President Donald Trump. |
Mobile fuel station seized in Warakapola, together with tank full of 1,235 litres of diesel and attached pump
Divaina, Dinamina
A 48-year-old resident of Tholangamuwa was arrested by the Kegalle Divisional Crimes Investigation Unit for operating an illegal mobile filling station.
Officers intercepted the vehicle in the Warakapola area following a tip-off received by the police.
The suspect had been operating a secret fuel distribution service using a small lorry equipped with a large plastic tank and a hidden meter.
At the time of the arrest on March 27, the vehicle contained 1,235 litres of diesel valued at nearly Rs. 500,000.
It was reported that the suspect was released on bail on March 28 and is scheduled to be produced before the Thulhiriya Magistrate’s Court in Warakapola today (30th).
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
President thanks Indian Prime Minister for the oil vessel from India
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Dinamina, Thinakaran, Thinakkural
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in a post on his X account, expressed his gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for providing support to resolve the fuel crisis the country is currently facing due to the troubled situation in the Middle East.
President Dissanayake stated this in his message: “Spoke with PM Narendra Modi a few days ago about the fuel supply disruptions Sri Lanka is facing due to the Middle East conflict. Grateful for India’s swift support. 38,000 MT of fuel arrived in Colombo yesterday. My thanks also to Dr Jaishankar for his close coordination.”
State of Public Emergency extended
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Dinamina, Virakesari, Thinakaran
The government has taken steps to extend the currently active state of public emergency, which was declared on November 29, 2025, during the disaster situation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, by one month.
Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake has issued the relevant special gazette notification.
The primary objective of extending this state of emergency is to ensure public safety and the well-being of the country, as well as to maintain the continuous supply of essential goods and services for public life.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. ‘No Kings’ protests against Trump break out in the US – Lankadeepa, Divaina, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakkural
2. “10 fuel vessels to arrive in the country next month; Diesel from four vessels, petrol from three vessels ran out within 20 days of March: no change in prices from April 1” – Chair of CEYPETCO – Divaina, Dinamina, Thinakaran
3. ‘Surakimu Lanka’ (Let us protect Lanka) National Programme commences – Dinamina, Aruna, Thinakkural
4. Drug-dealing father-son duo that were deported from India, arrested at Katunayake Airport – Divaina, Virakesari
5. Pakistan intervenes to stop the war: discussions to be held with four countries today– Lankadeepa, Virakesari
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