DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: “Report illegal assets; withholding information despite knowing is a crime” – Director General of the CIABOC | Pictorial: Jaffna Special Economic Centre at Madduvil opened Thinakaran: “Crucial revelations in the investigation of rugby player Wasim Thajudeen’s murder; links to ‘Middeniya Kajja’ as well – Deputy Police Media Spokesperson stated | “Children’s and elders’ rights will be protected and their well-being enhanced” – President |
Thinakkural: “Political interference in education in the North under this government like never before!” – Strong condemnation by the Sri Lanka Teachers’ Association | “Ranil and Mahinda are number one thieves” – Minister Chandrasekar alleges | “Now Mannar island; next Katchatheevu?” – People’s Struggle Movement questions Thamilan: The mystery of Thajudeen’s death is unfolding! Shocking statement to the police by the wife of a person known as ‘Kajja’ | “I apologise!” – Handunnetti puts an end to the criticisms |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: State-owned enterprises are a strain on Sri Lanka: mismanagement, excessive staffing; while political bribery solicitation appears to have diminished, institutional corruption persists – US State Department report reveals | Objections against the promotion of LGBTQ activities – Chief Prelates of the three Chapters write to the President Divaina: Children and elders at risk for mental health issues: mental health patients have increased by 20%; 15% of the country suffer from depression; being addicted to phones and laptops is also a mental health issue; “3,200 die of suicide per year, 80 of them children” – Dr. Sajeewana Amarasinghe; “no relatives to pick up patients that have recovered” – Dr. Dhammika Alahapperuma | ‘Kajja’ has been among those that followed Thajudeen: hidden secrets of the murder revealed: Manamperi transported the weapons for Thajudeen’s murder; ‘Kajja’ had been murdered to destroy the evidence of Thajudeen’s murder
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Mawbima: Public Transport (PT) License is mandatory for all three-wheelers in the Western Province: registration from today onwards: Rs. 500 fee | Chief Prelates object to LGBTQ tourist promotions and amendments to the Penal Code: parent, student-teacher relationships at risk Dinamina: “’Middeniya Kajja’ has also been present during Thajudeen’s murder: wife identified on CCTV” – Acting Spokesperson of Police states Aruna: Chief Prelates object to promotion of LGBTQ behaviour – Letter from Chief Prelates to the President: ‘Don’t Introduce Short-Sighted Laws’ Anidda: This paper is published on Fridays only |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Tamil Guardian
“Demons are trying to come to power by inciting racism; Mahinda and Ranil have discussed the same way” – Chandrasekar
Thinakkural, Thinakaran
Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic, and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar stated that the people must unite to protect the country from individuals who incite racism.
Speaking at the reopening ceremony of the Jaffna Special Economic Centre, he asserted that while the country is advancing economically, “old racist devils are attempting to disrupt this progress.”
The minister accused former leaders Ranil Wickremesinghe and Mahinda Rajapaksa of conspiring to regain power by instigating racial tensions.
He further alleged that Wickremesinghe was responsible for robbing the Central Bank, while Rajapaksa protected drug traffickers, urging the public to safeguard the nation from them.
“Report illegal assets; withholding information despite knowing is a crime” – Director General of the CIABOC
Virakesari Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) R.S. Ranga Dissanayake has called on the public to provide information on individuals who have acquired assets through criminal activities, citing the new Proceeds of Crime Act, No. 5 of 2025. Speaking at an event at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute on Tuesday, he warned that under this law, it is a punishable offense to possess knowledge of such crimes and fail to report them to the authorities. Dissanayake stated that the Act, which received cabinet approval in April, has been in effect since June 1. He also noted that individuals arrested on corruption charges have recently begun filing complaints against the CIABOC with the Human Rights Commission, alleging rights violations. |
“The Mannar wind power project will proceed without causing harm to the people” – GovernmentThinakaran
The government announced that the construction of the Mannar wind power project, which was suspended due to public protests, will resume. According to the Ministry of Power and Energy, the decision was made after President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reviewed the recommendations of a committee appointed on August 13 to address the concerns raised by the public. The ministry stated that the committee’s proposed short, medium, and long-term solutions will be implemented quickly to ensure the project does not adversely affect the local population. The resumption is justified by the need to meet the country’s electricity demands and the government’s goal of generating 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. |
“Political interference in education in the North under this government like never before!” – Strong condemnation by the Sri Lanka Teachers’ Union
Thinakkural
Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin has warned that political interference in the Northern Province’s education sector has reached an unprecedented level.
In a media statement issued on Tuesday, September 30, Stalin claimed that government MPs are intervening in appointments and teacher transfers to favour supporters of the National People’s Power (NPP).
He specifically highlighted that the interference by an NPP MP in the Vanni District has become excessive.
Stalin added that despite the Prime Minister’s directive against politicians attending school functions, some principals invite them to gain undue advantages, worsening the politicisation of the education system.
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
Fuel prices reduced
Lankadeepa, Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) announced a revision of fuel prices with effect from midnight yesterday (30th).
Accordingly, the price of a litre of Auto Diesel has been reduced by Rs. 6 to Rs. 277. Octane 95 Petrol has also been reduced by Rs. 6 to Rs. 335, while the price of Kerosene has been reduced by Rs. 5 to Rs. 180.
Objections against the promotion of LGBTQ [tourism] activities – Chief Prelates of the three Chapters write to the President
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Aruna President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has received a letter from the Chief Prelates of all three Buddhist Chapters expressing concern over several government initiatives, particularly the promotion of LGBTQ tourism. The Mahanayakes [Chief Prelates] cautioned that such initiatives could potentially damage cultural values and result in grave social consequences. In their communication, the Chief Prelates specifically highlighted that efforts designed to boost tourism by way of LGBTQ-related activities might trigger what they termed “serious social catastrophes.” Additionally, the Mahanayakes raised objections regarding proposed amendments to the Penal Code. They suggested that the proposed introduction of an offense related to corporal punishment could potentially carry negative implications. The Prelates’ letter formally urged the president to re-evaluate these controversial measures to ensure the protection of the nation’s cultural and religious traditions. |
Rajitha Senaratne’s FR petition against Rohitha Abeygunawardena dismissedLankdeepa, Divaina, ArunaThe Supreme Court (SC) of Sri Lanka, yesterday (30th), delivered a ruling, dismissing a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition that had been lodged by former Minister Rajitha Senaratne against MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena. The core request of Senaratne’s petition was to invalidate the election of Abeygunawardena as the MP for the Kalutara District during the most recent General Election. The SC issued the ruling rejecting the petition after conducting a review of the submissions presented by both parties when the case was taken up for hearing. |
“It is our duty to build a fulfilled world for children” – Premier
Dinamina
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has issued a message for World Children’s and Elders’ Day, stating that children are the lifeblood of a nation, and that building a fulfilled childhood for them is a shared duty of the community.
The Prime Minister’s message expressed great pleasure in conveying greetings for the World Children’s Day celebration, which is being held under the theme: ‘Nurture with Love – to lead the World’.
The message further states that, as a country with a child population of nearly 31% of the total population, a special responsibility regarding children is vested in the government.
The current government, having fully understood this responsibility, is committed to providing children with the childhood they deserve by ensuring the necessary safety measures for them, under the theme ‘A Safe World for Children – A Creative Future Generation’.
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: Sri Lanka Mirror
‘Kajja’ has been in the vehicle that followed Thajudeen on the day he was murdered: wife identifies through CCTV footage
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
Acting Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Minura Senarath, stated that Aruna Vidanagamage, alias ‘Kajja,’ who was recently murdered along with his two children in the Middeniya area, has been confirmed to be among the team that arrived for the murder of rugby player Wasim Thajudeen.
He further stated that this individual is the person who was previously unidentifiable and was in the vehicle that allegedly chased after Thajudeen before his murder.
Senarath also stated that ‘Kajja’s’ wife identified the person in the vehicle as her husband.
The Acting Police Media Spokesperson made this statement during a special media briefing held yesterday (30th).
State-owned enterprises are a strain on Sri Lanka: mismanagement, excessive staffing; while political bribery solicitation appears to have diminished, institutional corruption persists – US State Department report reveals
Lankadeepa, Virakesari, Thinakkural
The ‘2025 Investment Climate Statement: Sri Lanka’ report released by the US State Department states that Sri Lanka’s State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are a major financial strain on the country.
The report further reads that these SOEs consistently strain public finances due to mismanagement, excessive staffing, inadequate financial disclosure, and weak budgetary controls.
The report highlights that SOE labor costs significantly exceed private sector equivalents, consuming a disproportionate share of the national budget.
It also stated that while high-level political bribery solicitation appears to have diminished under the new administration, institutional corruption persists, particularly within sectors protected by entrenched vested interests.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. “Let us commit to build a dignified Sri Lanka for both children and adults” – President – Divaina, Dinamina, Thinakaran
2. Fine to be imposed from today onwards on passengers on private buses without tickets – Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
3. 10 hand grenades found in Modara – Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna, Thinakkural
4. Looting a rice lorry: warrants issued against Sampath Manamperi | Manamperi loots rice lorry while working as security for Mahinda Rajapaksa – Divaina, Dinamina, Thinakkural
5. Three more individuals of the underworld caught in India: the individuals had fled Sri Lanka in 2024 – Dinamina, Thinakaran, Thinakkural
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DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
|
Virakesari: “My dream is to provide a prosperous life” – President Anura Kumara states at the UN General Assembly: calls on world leaders to walk together in solidarity | Pictorial: Relatives of the disappeared in the North and East launch a hunger strike protest at Chemmani demanding an international investigation Thinakaran: “Let us build a safer world for our future generations” – President Anura calls on world leaders at the UN Assembly to act with full commitment |
Thinakkural: “The fight against corruption will continue in full force” – President Anura assures at the UN; urges the international community to put an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people | “Why did President Anura, who supported Palestine at the United Nations, stay silent about the Tamils?” – Siritunga Jayasuriya, leader of the United Socialist Party Thamilan: “The fight against corruption is dangerous; let us commit to creating a safe world!” – President Anura’s appeal to world leaders | Vehicle accident caused by snapped cable; seven monks dead | “Do not blame us and protect underworld gangs” – MP Namal criticises |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: Seven monks killed: three are foreigners: did the cable car fall because it was overloaded? It can only carry six at a time,13 have gone; it has hit tall trees and fallen to the ground; only 30 m were left for the end of the journey; five hospitalised; two monks jumped out of the cable car and saved their lives Divaina: The tragedy of the Na Uyana Monastery which killed seven monks: “the cable car that was plummeting hit trees and rocks and went tumbling down; the cable car can only carry seven or eight, but 13 of us rode it; two monks jumped out of the cable car when it was heading down speedily” – Monk who saved his life, explains Mawbima: “The cable car, of which the cable had broken, sped down the mountain” – A monk who saved his life states; six injured monks admitted to the Kurunegala Hospital; final rites of the foreign monks who passed away to be held in Sri Lanka |
Dinamina: “My dream is to ensure that my people are rich and they have happiness; let us turn every inch of the world into a community of peace; the fight against corruption must be embedded within the culture of each country” – President Dissanayake addresses the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly Aruna: The dreadful accident at the Na Uyana Monastery: the cable car has slid black while getting closer to the mountain; three foreign monks among the seven monks who were killed Anidda: The Speaker has lied about the NCM: both the AG and Secretariat reports do not state that the NCM cannot be accepted |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Tamil Guardian
“Tamil histories and identities systematically ignored in the current curriculum” – Shritharan points out in parliament
Thinakkural, Thamilan, Thinakaran
ITAK MP S. Shritharan stated in parliament that Tamil history and identity are being systematically obscured in subjects such as history and art.
He further noted that Saivism is not adequately represented in religious studies and called for these issues to be addressed in the new education reforms.
While the new curriculum is purported to reduce students’ workload, Shritharan argued it increases the burden by 30%, from 265 to 365 learning hours.
He questioned the lack of Tamil-speaking officials in the reform committees at the National Institute of Education and noted that 20 departments in the Ministry of Education have no Tamil-speaking officers.
Shritharan urged the Minister of Education to consult with university experts and religious institutions before finalising the curriculum changes.
Relatives of the disappeared launch hunger strike at Chemmani, demanding international investigation
Thinakkural, Virakesari The Association of Relatives of the Forcibly Disappeared in the North and East commenced a rotational hunger strike yesterday (25th) at the Chemmani protest grounds. The protest demands international justice for human rights violations and enforced disappearances that occurred during the civil war. Participants are rejecting domestic mechanisms and insisting on an independent international investigation into these matters, including the Chemmani mass grave. The strike, which includes relatives of the disappeared from the five districts of the North and social activists, is scheduled to continue until September 29. |
“Jagath Wickramaratne is unfit for the position of Speaker” – MP Ajith P. Perera publicly accusesThinakkural, Virakesari, Thamilan
SJB MP Ajith P. Perera announced that a no-confidence motion will soon be brought against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne. Perera accused the Speaker of being unfit for his position, lacking neutrality, and destroying the independence of parliament. The accusation stems from the Speaker’s recent rejection of a no-confidence motion against Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekara. The MP claimed that in doing so, the Speaker violated Parliamentary Standing Order 76(1) and disregarded advice from the Attorney General and the Secretary-General of Parliament, who had both indicated that the motion could proceed. |
“Do not blame us and protect underworld gangs” – MP Namal criticises
Thamilan
SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa accused the government of covering up the release of 323 containers and blaming the opposition to protect drug traffickers and underworld groups.
Speaking in parliament yesterday (25th), he questioned why security forces failed to act on an international intelligence report about a narcotics shipment arriving from Tehran in two containers.
Rajapaksa compared this inaction to the intelligence failures that preceded the Easter Sunday attacks, alleging that the government is shielding the real culprits by making false accusations.
He urged the administration to stop its blame game and take responsible action against the drug trade.
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Sri Lanka Mirror
There’s no legal obstacle for the NCM – Both AG and Parliamentary Secretariat reports reveal
Divaina, Anidda
Anidda reports that the statement made by Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne, stating that the No-Confidence Motion (NCM) against Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara was not taken up for debate based on the Attorney General’s report and Parliamentary Secretariat report, is revealed to be a lie.
Both reports in question were presented in parliament yesterday (25th) by the Speaker at the continuous request made by the Opposition.
Reportedly, the reports submitted by the Attorney General and the Parliamentary Secretariat regarding the NCM against Deputy Minister Jayasekara do not state that there is any legal obstacle for the NCM to be taken up for debate in parliament.
SC seeks AG’s advice on legal measures to be taken against X-Press Pearl company that is refusing to pay compensation
Divaina, Mawbima The Supreme Court (SC) of Sri Lanka is seeking the Attorney General’s (AG) advice on legal measures to be taken against the X-Press Pearl company for refusing to pay the court-ordered USD 1 billion compensation for the MV X-Press Pearl disaster. The company failed to meet the initial USD 250 million payment deadline on September 23, 2025, prompting the government to consult the AG on how to proceed with enforcing the court’s ruling and addressing the company’s non-compliance. |
‘Work-to-rule’ campaign of the CEB to end on MondayDinaminaGeneral Secretary of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Free Trade Union, Prabath Priyantha, stated that the trade unions will be able to stop the ‘work-to-rule’ campaign by next Monday (29th). He made the statement while expressing his views to the media after a special discussion held yesterday (25th) with representatives of the International Labour Organization (ILO). He stated further that the discussion that was held yesterday (25th) had been very successful. The representatives of the ILO had inquired from the CEB employees about the issues that led to this problem. He added that they understood the real problem and promised to resolve this issue through a quick discussion with the Ministry of Labour and all other parties, with the intervention of the International Labour Organization. Prabath Priyantha added that the ILO stated that they would make an active intervention regarding this matter. |
Match-fixing: indictments served on Sachithra
Lankadeepa, Mawbima, Dinamina, Anidda
The Attorney General’s Department stated that indictments were served on Sri Lankan cricketer Sachithra Senanayake under the Prevention of Sports-Related Corruption Act on charges linked to match-fixing.
The case had been taken up before the Hambantota High Court, where indictments were formally served.
Accordingly, the court ordered Senanayake to provide fingerprints and released him on two personal bail bonds of Rs. 1 million each.
The charges levelled against Senanayake are related to the Lanka Premier League matches between November 21–22 in 2020.
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: Journal of the United Nations
“My dream is to ensure that my people are rich and they have happiness; let us turn every inch of the world into a community of peace; the fight against corruption must be embedded within the culture of each country” – President Dissanayake addresses the 80th session of the UN General Assembly
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake delivered his maiden speech at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York yesterday (25th).
Addressing the UN General Assembly, the president urged world leaders to commit themselves wholeheartedly to building a safe world for future generations.
The President stressed that nations must walk hand in hand, not apart.
President Dissanayake also expressed deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip.
He called for an immediate ceasefire, the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and the release of hostages by all parties, in line with agreements reached by the United Nations and other stakeholders.
The President highlighted the measures implemented by Sri Lanka to address the global drug issue.
He urged world leaders to collaborate in advancing the global initiative aimed at eradicating the drug menace, which endangers global health, democracy, politics and the overall well-being of society.
Speaking on the importance of eradicating corruption, President Dissanayake stated that it is a destructive force that undermines development, democracy and social well-being while perpetuating poverty.
He noted that Sri Lanka has already embarked on this difficult but essential fight for the sake of future generations and urged all countries to embed the culture of anti-corruption within their governance.
In conclusion, the President stated that the Sri Lankan people, who have chosen the path of light over darkness, are united around the vision of ‘A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life’.
He explained that this historic goal is being advanced step by step through corruption-free and ethical governance, poverty eradication, digitalisation and environmental sustainability, with equal emphasis on strengthening education and healthcare.
The cable car accident in the Na Uyana Monastery: seven monks killed; three foreign monks among the dead
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
Seven Buddhist monks were killed and six others were injured after a cable-operated rail car overturned at the Na Uyana Monastery in Melsiripura.
The police stated that the accident had occurred around 9:30 p.m., and the cable car, which the monks used to travel to the hilltop of the monastery, had overturned.
Accordingly, four Sri Lankan monks and three monks from foreign countries had lost their lives.
The three foreign monks are reported to be from India, Russia and Romania.
The injured monks are currently receiving treatment at the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital.
Reportedly, it had been a common practice for monks who meditate in the higher areas of the monastery to leave their meditation chambers every evening and go to the lower part of the monastery to engage in Dhamma discussions.
The police stated that the electrically operated cable car could only accommodate about six people in a single journey.
However, 13 monks had been travelling in the car at the time, and the cable car, which was going up, had suddenly descended rapidly after the cables broke, causing the fatal accident.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. Lorry – van accident in Thalawa: four reported dead – Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural
2. The Speaker, for a second time, explains how the NCM against the deputy minister of defence was removed – Divaina, Virakesari
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