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DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: The main opposition party questions the Minister of Power about what he has done over the past eight weeks regarding the power interruptions | A branch of the Ramakrishna Mission opens in Kotagala | PUCSL approves CEB’s request for a one-and-a-half-hour scheduled power cut | President receives grand welcome in Dubai | Parliament to convene on Friday to announce Supreme Court decision | “Thayiddi Viharaya issue must be resolved; Democratic Tamil National Alliance will back it” – Selvam Adaikalanathan Thinakaran: The President received a grand welcome in Dubai yesterday | Prime Minister Harini holds special meetings with IMF Executive Director | Sigiriya tops the list of the world’s most welcoming cities, according to Booking.com’s Cities for 2025 | New homes for families living in refugee camps after being affected by landslides | Four dead, including one woman, in fatal bus collision in Kurunegala; 33 Injured | Ella Odyssey special tourist train service began yesterday | Technical officer sentenced to 56 years’ RI for bribery |
Thinakkural: US President Donald Trump claims USAID was funding to create conflict and government changes in Sri Lanka | “America’s conspiracies are being exposed, we had said it before” – Wimal Weerawansa | Phased power cuts implemented nationwide due to acute power crisis; each cut lasting 1.5 hours from 3:30 pm to 10:00 pm | Presidential visit to the United Arab Emirates Thamilan: Ongoing power cuts: Essential business operations at risk of disruption | Special task force established to curb financial fraud | Democratic Tamil National Alliance supports demolition of Thayiddi Viharaya | Government states that Thayiddi Viharaya cannot be removed | Grand welcome for the President in Dubai | Lasantha murder case: Law enforcement agencies seek evidence, Attorney General’s Department revisits old files | Plantation Minister announces immediate housing for those living in camps |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: A power cut due to the Norochcholai crisis: one-and-a-half-hour power cuts | Four dead after colliding with a bus that was driving at high speed Divaina: Four dead and 28 injured from the deadly bus accident in Thorayaya: people have taken videos with their phones while the injured were screaming for help from inside the bus; the bus that was driving at high speed collided with two buses that were stopped; “the injured were taken to hospital after forcefully stopping a lorry with a baton” – Residents of the area Ada: Four dead after two private buses collided in the Badagamuwa, Thorayaya area: five injured, three in serious condition: a bus that was stopped to take in passengers was hit by another that came from behind; the driver that caused the accident had gotten off the bus and fled the scene soon after the collision |
Mawbima: The Norochcholai power plant is inactive: a one-and-a-half-hour power cut is in effect until February 14 under several sectors | The Thorayaya crisis: four fall victim to the races (competition) of the bus drivers: four injured Dinamina: The bus that met with an accident in Thorayaya, killing four, had been travelling at 90 km per hour; the two buses had been racing with each other; the driver had also been on the phone Aruna: “Some people took selfies while the injured were screaming for help; Suwa Seriya refused to take the injured stating that they were bleeding; vehicles had to be forcefully stopped with a baton to transport the injured” – Residents of the area Anidda: This paper is published on Fridays only |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Samugam Media
“Thayiddi Viharaya issue must be resolved; Democratic Tamil National Alliance and other parties to support it” – Selvam Adaikalanathan
Virakesari, Thinakkural, Thamilan
Selvam Adaikalanathan, a senior member of the Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA) and MP, has expressed the party’s full support for protests against the Jaffna Thayiddi Viharaya, calling for its demolition.
Speaking at a media conference in Vavuniya, he criticised certain departments and monks for disregarding the people’s will, stressing that the demolition is crucial for the people of the North and East.
Adaikalanathan reiterated that the DTNA stands in solidarity with those protesting for this cause.
Concerning this issue, Thinakaran and Thinakkural reported: “Thayiddi Viharaya issue: landowners protest today”, Thamilan reported: “Thayiddi Temple cannot be removed – Government announces”, Thinakaran reported: “Thayiddi Viharaya issue: Jaffna people’s opinion should be known – This issue should not be used for politics” – Minister of Fisheries.
Minister of Plantation orders immediate provision of houses for families affected by landslides
Thamilan, Thinakaran Minister Samantha Vidyarathna has revealed plans to build permanent homes for families displaced by landslides in Kegalle and Haldummulla. Construction will begin in March, with 22 families in Kegalle and 51 families in Haldummulla currently living in shelters. The housing project will be funded by the Plantation and Community Infrastructure Ministry, with the Sri Lanka Army and Navy assisting in the construction. Inspections at the refugee camps will occur on February 15 and 17. Key officials, including ministry and defence representatives, will oversee the project. |
Lasantha murder case: Law enforcement agencies seek evidence, Attorney General’s Department revisits old filesThamilan Law enforcement agencies have launched a new operation to search for hidden witnesses and evidence related to the murder of Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge. The Attorney General’s Department is also compiling evidence to file charges against suspects in the murder and the attempted kidnapping of Wickrematunge’s driver. The President has directed an investigation into possible political pressure in the case, as no arrests have been made. The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has issued a letter urging the Cabinet and political officials not to interfere with the Attorney General’s discretion in criminal cases. The association emphasised that such interference undermines the independence of the Attorney General’s Office and the rule of law. |
Prime Minister Harini holds special meetings with IMF Executive Director
Thinakaran
An important meeting was held yesterday at the Prime Minister’s Office between IMF Executive Director Dr. Krishnamurthy Subramanian and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
The discussion focused on Sri Lanka’s tax policy, tax revenue, public sector development, and broader economic issues.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared her views on policy measures aimed at ensuring economic stability and sustainable development, as well as addressing the government’s future development agenda.
Dr. P.K.G. Harischandra, Acting Executive Director of the IMF, also participated in the discussion.
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
Asanga Karawita appointed head of the CID and the FCID
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Ada, Dinamina, Aruna
The Police Media Division stated that Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Asanka Karawita was appointed as SDIG in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) with effect from February 12.
The Police Media Division additionally stated that transfers and appointments have been made for three other officers as well and that these appointments have been made with the approval of the National Police Commission (NPC).
“The mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks is in Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini’s pocket” – Gammanpila
Aruna Leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) Udaya Gammanpila stated that the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks is in the pocket of Reverend Father Cyril Gamini. Gammanpila made the statement at a press conference held yesterday (10th) at the PHU Headquarters in Pitakotte. Previously, at a press conference held on February 5 at the Borella Archdiocese, Father Cyril Gamini informed former MP Udaya Gammanpila to let the investigations progress and stop his ‘hired-lamentations’ at a time when the investigations related to the Easter Sunday attacks are properly being conducted under the current government. Responding to this statement, Gammanpila stated yesterday (10th) that the baseless laying of responsibility for the Easter attack on the country’s intelligence agencies is creating a conflict between Buddhists and Catholics. |
Sajith prepares to listen to the grievances of the people
Dinamina Leader of the SJB and the Opposition Sajith Premadasa stated that the Opposition Leader’s Office is open to the people even though the government has no time to listen to the people’s grievances. He made the statement while addressing a rally held in Avissawella on Sunday (9th). Premadasa stated further that a programme is being implemented under the SJB for those who are affected by standing up against government policies and suffer prejudice, discomfort and political revenge. |
“Namal requests parliamentary working committee to investigate NGO dealings
Mawbima
SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa proposed that a working committee be appointed to investigate dealings related to non-governmental organisations within Sri Lanka.
He made the statement on his X account and stated further that he would make an official request to the speaker of the house regarding the issue in parliament today (11th).
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
A power cut due to the Norochcholai crisis; one-and-a-half-hour power cuts
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Ada, Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakkural, Thamilan
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) stated all three generators at the Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai were disabled and that preparation for the restoration of the generators is being carried out rapidly.
The failure was caused due to the island-wide power failure that occurred on Sunday (9th). Because of this, the CEB stated that electricity will be disconnected from today (11th) under several categories for one and a half hours each day. This move was also implemented yesterday (10th).
Sources state that the generators will be restored to operation by February 14.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake receives a warm welcome in UAE
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Ada, Dinamina, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, yesterday (10th), along with his delegation, arrived at Dubai International Airport to participate in the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2025.
The WGS is scheduled to take place from February 11 to 13 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
On arrival, the President and the delegation were warmly welcomed by the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and other state officials.
Yesterday (10th), President Dissanayake met with the Chairperson of the Master Investment Group and the ruler’s representative for Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.
During this meeting, discussions were focused on strengthening economic and investment cooperation between Sri Lanka and the UAE.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. The Thorayaya crisis: four fall victim to the races (competition) of the bus drivers: four injured – Lankadeepa, Divaina, Ada, Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural
2. LG petition: parliament to meet on Friday for the announcement of the SC verdict – Divaina, Mawbima, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
3. “Establish a working committee and investigate politicians and NGOs that have taken donations from USAID” – Wimal Weerawansa – Divaina, Mawbima, Virakesari, Thinakkural
4. A six-member-committee from the president to prevent money laundering – Ada, Dinamina, Thamilan
5. Establishing of the Independent Prosecutor’s Office, expedited – Divaina, Mawbima, Virakesari
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