13 March 2026 | Vol. 12, #47

DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS

Virakesari: Help ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply – Sri Lanka requests from India: Information from Indian External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal | The special committee on provincial council election recommendations to meet on March 20 | “We have already won the war against Iran” – President Donald Trump | “President Anura should prepare to go home now” – Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera

Thinakaran: “Strive to create a nation that ensures energy security” – The president to CEB engineers | Cryptocurrency fraud: “It is essential to prevent the outflow of the country’s finances” – The Colombo chief magistrate orders the Central Bank | The navy intercepts vessels with narcotics and modern weapons; 10 arrested | Exclusive bus services for persons with disabilities | Fuel stocks sufficient until the end of April: CPC Chairperson D.A. Rajakaruna

Thinakkural: Work from home in Sri Lanka again? “The government to consider if the situation arises” – Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe | “Fuel is the enemy of President Anura; he will resign soon” – Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera| “The Middle East war is a revenue stream for Anura’s government” – The opposition alleges that a proift of Rs. 7.1 billion was gained | Fuel stocks secured until the end of April; four shipments scheduled | Sri Lanka requests fuel assistance from India

Thamilan: Crude oil prices exceed USD 100 | “Our struggle is strong; the Strait of Hormuz will be blocked – attacks will continue until the US forces leave the region” – Iran’s new spiritual leader Mojtaba | The court extends the ban on constructing an indoor hall at the Jaffna Old Park; the Court of Appeal suspends the District Court order | Bloodshed in the Persian Gulf – Iran issues warning to the US | Four fuel tankers to arrive in Sri Lanka this month

Lankadeepa: Tender for the urgent coal also given to the previous company: “We are not involved; it was done by the coal company” — The minister of energy; “The lowest bid was from us, the [coal] will be sold at the previous price” — The local representative states

Divaina: A trawler to Dikkowita with drugs worth Rs. 10 billion and weapons including two T56 guns, one M16 weapon, eight pistols, eight magazines; another trawler that provided security also arrested; 10 from both boats arrested; the police suspect the weapons were given as gratuity following the purchase of drugs 

Dinamina: The largest [drug] haul seized by the navy: Drugs worth Rs. 10 billion seized from the Southern seas; a stock of 600 kg; six in custody with 11 firearms from various countries; weapons given to traffickers as gratuity

Aruna: Sri Lanka requests oil from India: Requests also made by Bangladesh and the Maldives; 5,000 tonnes of diesel already given to Bangladesh

Anidda: Preparations to extend the retirement age of the judges of higher courts

TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES

Sumanthiran urges India to grant citizenship to Eelam Tamil refugees

Virakesari

ITAK General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran urged the Indian government to grant citizenship to Eelam Tamil refugees who have lived in India for over three decades and wish to remain there.

Speaking at a documentary screening in New Delhi, he emphasised that while the preference is for refugees to return and strengthen their homeland, the choices of those born and raised in India to seek citizenship must be respected.

Sumanthiran also called on India to pressure the Sri Lankan government to stop arresting returning refugees on charges of having left the country illegally. He noted that such arrests have led the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to suspend the repatriation process for Eelam Tamils.

These remarks were made during Sumanthiran’s visit to India as part of a delegation from the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL).

SJB MP Mujibur Rahman criticises the government over fuel price hikes

Virakesari, Thinakkural

SJB MP Mujibur Rahman claimed that the government is exploiting the public by increasing taxes on fuel despite a decrease in global market prices.

Speaking at a media briefing, Rahman described the government’s approach as being focused solely on seeking profits similar to retail traders while neglecting the financial burden on the people.

The MP further stated that while global fuel prices have dropped significantly, the government continues to impose “tax upon tax” without providing a clear solution for future economic stability. Rahman warned that such policies would lead to the public being abandoned and facing severe economic distress.

SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES

Cabraal to be indicted if the Rs. 1.84 billion of the Greek bonds case is not paid

Dinamina

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has warned that it will file indictments in the High Court against former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal if he fails to pay over Rs. 1.84 billion in connection to the controversial Greek Bond Scam.

The commission has formally inquired from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to confirm whether the payment has been settled. This follows a Colombo High Court order issued on December 10, 2025, which granted a conditional release to Cabraal while three other defendants were released unconditionally. The court stipulated that the payment, representing the loss incurred through the Greek bond transaction, must be made to the CBSL. CIABOC stated that if this condition is not met, they will proceed with formal charges as per the provisions of the relevant act.

Preparations to extend the retirement age of the judges of higher courts

Anidda

Internal sources state that preparations are being made to include an amendment to the Constitution to extend the retirement age of the judges of the higher courts of Sri Lanka. This includes the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. A two-thirds majority is required in order for the amendment to be passed, following the presentation of a draft bill to parliament.

COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS