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DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: His Holiness Pope Francis passes away | “My lawyer is abroad” – Ranil Wickremesinghe | Ex-President Maithripala Sirisena questioned by CID | Ranil Wickremesinghe summoned to appear on Friday | Cardinal proposes seven-point demand, calls for independent prosecution office for Easter Attack probe | Deshabandu ordered to appear in court for allegedly violating bail conditions | Court of Appeal dismisses writ petitions against rejection of nominations Thinakaran: His Holiness Pope passed away | Northern region faces worsening shortage of teachers and resources, Prime Minister voices concern in Vavuniya | Some still trying to conceal truth about Easter Attacks” – Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith | Pope Francis a strong voice for peace, justice, and compassion – President offers condolences | Court rejects petitions against rejection of LG polls nominations |
Thinakkural: Attempt to conceal Easter Attack truths must end – Archbishop Ranjith calls for fulfilment of seven demands | The European Union proposes temporarily suspending the Prevention of Terrorism Act | Stop the President from spreading lies – Pohottuwa files complaint with Election Commission | “I prevented, exposed fake narrative and name reveal of Easter Attack” – Udaya Gammanpila | Sajith slams Anura for abuse of power | 60 cases on LG poll nominations dismissed without consideration by Court of Appeal | Ex-President Maithripala Sirisena questioned by CID for seven hours Thamilan: His Holiness Pope (Francis) passes away | Archbishop urges swift government action to address ongoing issues | Pope Francis’ dedication leaves an indelible mark on the world – President Anura Kumara Dissanayake shares condolences | If I had not intervened, Pillaiyan would be the mastermind – Gammanpila praises himself | Postal voting postponed until Thursday | [Maithripala] Sirisena at CID over alleged misuse of Presidential Fund |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: Sewwandi and Prasanna Ranaweera still at large: have they fled the country or are they in hiding? Warrant issued more than 50 days ago; “missions for their arrest to continue” – Police Media Spokesperson | The Pope ascends into heaven | Maithripala questioned for seven hours by the CID once again Divaina: The darkest day for the Vatican, which brought tears to thousands of Catholics around the world: His Holiness Pope Francis ascends into heaven Ada: Pope Francis ascends into heaven on Easter Monday |
Mawbima: His Holiness Pope Francis ascends into heaven as Easter Monday dawns Dinamina: Ranil Wickremesinghe summoned to the CIABOC on April 25 | Misusing funds of the President’s Fund: CID questions Maithripala (Sirisena) for five hours | The Pope ascends into heaven Aruna: Bottled water priced at the control price of Rs. 70 not to be found anywhere Anidda: This paper is published on Fridays only |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Newswire
“Expose Ibrahim family’s connections with party leaders” – Champika Ranawaka
Virakesari
At a media briefing in Colombo, Former MP Champika [Ranawaka] alleged that the Ibrahim family, central to the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings and now released on bail, maintains ties to terrorism and political party leaders.
He claimed these links, as well as their ongoing business activities, will soon be revealed and should be revealed. Ranawaka criticised security failures despite prior intelligence and accused political figures of using the attacks for electoral gain. He also cited a US indictment and FBI affidavit connecting the suspects to ISIS since 2015. Ranawaka insisted the truth must come out and justice be served.
Northern region faces worsening shortage of teachers and resources, PM voices concern in Vavuniya
Thinakaran Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, addressed the severe teacher and resource shortages in the Northern Province, which are affecting the quality of education in the region. Speaking at an election rally in Vavuniya held on April 20, she acknowledged that the education situation in the North is particularly dire and emphasised the need for immediate attention. As part of upcoming reforms set for 2026, she promised to address these disparities and shift towards a more inclusive, skills-based education system nationwide. The government has committed record funding to education, with plans to reopen the closed Sinhala-medium Teacher Training College in Vavuniya to support teacher training. |
EU proposes temporarily suspending the Prevention of Terrorism Act
Thinakkural The European Union has proposed temporarily suspending Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and has discussed this with the Sri Lankan government. However, according to the Daily Mirror, the government has not yet reviewed the proposal. The EU, along with other international bodies, has long been calling for the repeal of the controversial PTA, which has been criticised for its misuse. In discussions with Sri Lankan officials, EU representatives outlined conditions for temporarily suspending the PTA. When asked whether the government would accept the EU’s request, the Justice Minister responded that the proposal had not yet been examined. He confirmed that the government is working on a new anti-terrorism law, though the exact name and details have not been finalised. A committee is currently studying the proposed changes. |
Postal voting postponed until Thursday
Thamilan
The Election Commission has announced a revision to the postal voting dates for the upcoming Local Government elections. Originally scheduled for April 22nd to 23rd, postal voting will now begin on April 24th. Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake clarified that the revised dates will allow postal voting on April 24th, 25th, 28th, and 29th.
Previously, those unable to vote on April 22nd and 23rd were allowed to vote on April 28th and 29th, but this schedule has now been updated. Voting will take place in all institutions, including schools and military camps, on the new dates. Additionally, a special polling center will be set up in Kandy to accommodate 8,000 police officers and security personnel assigned to duties during the Sacred Tooth Relic Exposition. These officers can also vote on the revised postal voting dates, with ballots cast in the presence of a designated official.
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
Timings for the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic increased by one and a half hours
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Ada, Dinamina
The Dalada Maligawa [Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic] in Kandy announced yesterday (21st) that the Siri Dalada Wandanawa or the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic will be extended by one and a half hours. Accordingly, the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Previously, the time allocated for the exposition was from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The decision comes in response to the significantly increased number of pilgrims arriving in Kandy from across the country and overseas to participate in the Siri Dalada Wandanawa.
MP Chamara Sampath (Dasanayake) further remanded
Dinamina, Aruna The Badulla Magistrate’s Court, yesterday (21st), further remanded Badulla District MP of the New Democratic Front (NDF) Chamara Sampath Dasanayake until May 5, 2025. Dasanayake was further remanded concerning a case that had been filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). MP Chamara Sampath Dasanayake was arrested by the CIABOC, after recording a statement on March 27, on three corruption charges linked to his previous tenure as a state minister. He has been remanded on two corruption charges, while he has been granted bail for one charge. |
“Changing of government employees who have not changed, to commence after May” – President in Kurunegala
Divaina President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the six-month period given to high-ranking officials of the government service to change, will expire in May 2025. Accordingly, the president added that the process of changing those who have failed to change their service for the better will commence after May 2025. Speaking at a public meeting held in Kurunegala on Sunday (20th), the president added that all appointments to vacant positions in the government service will be made without any political influence and emphasised that the time when the public had to go behind politicians to find jobs, has come to an end. |
“Will support the government if the upcountry Tamil economy is developed” – Thigambaram
Dinamina
Deputy Leader of the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA), MP Palani Thigambaram, stated that he will provide his fullest support to the government if President Anura Kumara Dissanayake acts as promised to improve the economic conditions of estate workers. Thigambaram added that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made a statement at a meeting held in Talawakele on April 19 that he would distribute tea estates and lands to estate workers and improve their economic condition. He reiterated that if the president takes steps to improve the economic condition of the estate workers, he will extend his fullest support to the president.
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: Reuters
Pope Francis passes away | President’s message of condolence for the Pope
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Ada, Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
The Vatican reported that the Leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, aged 88, passed away on Monday (21st) after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest. It was reported that Pope Francis had suffered double pneumonia throughout the year. He last appeared before the public at St. Peter’s Square in an open-air popemobile to greet cheering crowds on Easter Sunday (20th). Additionally, taking to X, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on behalf of Sri Lanka and its citizens, expressed condolences over the demise of Pope Francis.
Dissanayake stated that “It is with deep sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka. His unwavering commitment to peace, compassion and humanity has left an indelible mark on the world. May his legacy of compassion, justice, and interfaith harmony continue to inspire generations to come.”
A commemoration for the sixth anniversary of the Easter Sunday terror attacks held in Kochchikade: Cardinal makes seven proposals to president to identify the perpetrators
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Ada, Mawbima, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
Yesterday (21st) marked the sixth anniversary of the Easter Sunday terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of over 250 victims in April 2019. Accordingly, a memorial service was held yesterday (21) at St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade, with the participation of Archbishop Cardinal Malcom Ranjith. During the memorial, the Cardinal stated that elements of the previous political leadership are continuing their efforts to suppress the truth surrounding the terror attacks, through certain government institutions, even today.
Cardinal Ranjith reaffirmed his hope that those responsible for the attacks would be brought to justice without delay and made a series of direct appeals to the President, outlining the following seven key requests:
1. Presenting the full report pertaining to the Easter Sunday terror attacks to the Parliament and making it public.
2. Establish an independent prosecutor’s office to oversee investigations and prosecutions related to the attacks.
3. Identify all forces behind the attacks, reveal the full truth to the public, and prosecute those responsible regardless of their rank or position.
4. Fully implement the recommendations of the report provided by the Presidential Commission appointed to investigate the attacks dated September 21, 2019.
5. Investigate the alleged ties between the Military Intelligence Unit and alleged terrorist leader Zahran Hashim, and thoroughly examine the claims made in the UK’s Channel 4 program, including statements from key witness Asad Maulana.
6. Enact new laws to dismantle the lawlessness and para-political structures that enabled the conspiracy behind the attacks.
7. Foster a new political culture where those in power serve the people, rather than ruling over them.
The Cardinal also strongly criticised former Attorney General (AG) Dappula de Livera for failing to act on indications of a grand conspiracy behind the bombings. Additionally, the Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, stated that the names of 167 Catholics who lost their lives in the attacks have been included in the catalogue of the Witnesses of the Faith by the Vatican, through the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. Accordingly, the names included are those who had lost their lives in bombings of St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade and St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya. He further stated that the 167 victims of the Easter attacks have been honoured as Heroes of Faith by the Vatican.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. Maithripala Sirisena questioned for seven hours by the CID – Lankadeepa, Divaina, Ada, Dinamina, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakkural, Thamilan
2. 60 petitions filed against the rejection of LG nominations, dismissed without being heard – Divaina, Ada, Dinamina, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
3. Warrants issued on Deshabandu (Tennakoon) once again – Lankadeepa, Divaina, Dinamina, Aruna, Virakesari
4. “The government tried to blame the Easter Sunday attack on Pillaiyan” – Gammanpila – Ada, Mawbima, Thinakkural, Thamilan
5. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe summoned to the CIABOC on April 25 – Lankadeepa, Divaina, Dinamina, Virakesari
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