DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
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Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: Political and religious leaders involved in the Thaiyiddy protest arrested; Large numbers of police deployed; Those arrested released on bail | “I will fulfil the responsibility of building the economy; the country can only progress if we act with firm determination” – says the President Thinakaran: Thaiyiddy Vihara issue; Bail granted yesterday for all five arrested during the protest | International Monetary Fund (IMF) to provide USD 206 million in emergency assistance | Higher education opportunities in Tamil Nadu for Hill Country (Malaiyaha) students | “We will move forward by fulfilling our responsibilities without backing down in challenging times” – President Anura Kumara Dissanayake |
Thinakkural: Police high-handedness during peaceful Thaiyiddy protest! Religious leader and politicians arrested by force; attempts to assault reported | “I will kill you” — Government MP and group threaten and assault police officer Thamilan: Ruling party MP suddenly assaults! Injured police officer hospitalised; Controversy erupted over cannabis cultivation issue | High-level Chinese representative to arrive in Colombo tomorrow |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: Cyclone Ditwah to deepen economic crisis, raise inflation and food costs, cut growth to 2.9% — IMF’s latest report | “So you’re the one I was looking for”: Constable hospitalised after alleged assault by NPP MP; “Why did you say my name in parliament? The constable tried to hit me” – MP Pathma Kumara Divaina: Some have become billionaires through close ties with drug traffickers: Narcotics Unit to be purged, all officers’ assets subjected to investigation, confidential information leaked to traffickers and official computer systems were tampered with Mawbima: A police officer hospitalised after alleged assault by NPP MP of Suriyakanda; “The OIC of Suriyakanda violated my privileges” – MP Pathma Kumara | “Distribute the Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000 before 31st” – President
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Dinamina: USD 206 million in financial aid from the IMF Aruna: Constable hospitalised after alleged assault by NPP MP; “I was attacked after confiscating drugs” – Constable, “He was drunk and obstructive” – MP Anidda: This paper is published only on Fridays |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Tamil Guardian
Political and religious leaders involved in the Thaiyiddy protest arrested; Large numbers of police deployed; Those arrested released on bail
Virakesari, Thinakkural, Thamilan, Thinakaran
Large numbers of riot police were deployed yesterday (21st) during a protest held in front of the Tissa Vihara in Thaiyiddy.
The demonstration was organised to demand the release of private lands acquired for the vihara and to oppose the honours granted to its chief prelate.
Although a court injunction had been obtained against 29 individuals, including MPs, to prevent them from participating, the protest proceeded and led to tense confrontations as police obstructed the demonstrators.
Valikamam East Pradeshiya Sabha Chairperson Thiagarajah Nirosh, Velan Swamigal, and three members of the Valikamam North Pradeshiya Sabha were arrested during the unrest.
Following an investigation, all 5 individuals were produced before the Mallakam Magistrate and subsequently released on bail.
“Police assault on Hindu leader is a racist and religious extremist act” – Sugash issues strong condemnation
Thinakkural Spokesperson for the Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) Kanagaratnam Sugash issued a strong condemnation of the recent attack on a Hindu religious leader in Thaiyiddy. He described the incident as an unacceptable act of racism and religious fanaticism. Sugash asserted that the attacks and subsequent arrests expose the “racist face of the National People’s Power (NPP) government led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake.” He emphasised that the struggle is for the liberation of the entire Tamil community and vowed that the protest will continue despite efforts to discredit it. |
“What is the mystery behind the Auditor General issue?” – Main opposition party raises questionVirakesari SJB MP Mujibur Rahman claimed that there is a mystery behind President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s attempt to appoint an outsider as the Auditor General instead of the experienced Acting Auditor General. Speaking at a press briefing at the SJB office in Colombo yesterday (21st), Rahman noted that previous governments maintained the independence of the Auditor General’s appointment, which allowed committees like COPE and COPA to expose past corruption. He highlighted that the President’s previous recommendations to the Constitutional Council included an individual from the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation who was rejected, and a retired military officer with only 10 months of audit experience and alleged corruption charges. Rahman questioned why the current Acting Auditor General, who has 30 years of service in the department, is being overlooked. He suggested this move aims to cover up potential government irregularities, such as the controversial release of 323 containers, which will be subject to audit next year. |
“If a parliamentary election were held now, the government would not even get 25 seats” — Wajira Abeywardana
Virakesari, Thinakkural
UNP Chairperson Wajira Abeywardana stated that the government is losing public trust, as evidenced by the defeat of budgets in many local government authorities under its control.
Speaking at a Galle district committee meeting yesterday (21st), he asserted that the NPP would not secure even 25 seats if a general election were held now.
Abeywardana noted that the government had made unrealistic campaign promises and currently lacks a viable alternative to the economic path set by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
He further warned that the country is heading toward a crisis sooner than December next year and claimed the government lacks sufficient funds to provide the promised relief to disaster victims.
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: PMD
“Distribute the Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000 before 31st” – President
Dinamina, Lankadeepa, Mawbima
During a special discussion at the Presidential Secretariat on December 20, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed that the Rs. 25,000 house cleaning grant and the Rs. 50,000 household equipment allowance be provided to beneficiaries before December 31.
The meeting reviewed district-level plans for restoring citizens’ lives and addressed challenges in programme implementation.
“PSTA Bill is a threat to democracy” – Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ AssociationAruna, Mawbima The Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association (SLWJA) has warned that the Protection of the State from Terrorism (PSTA) Bill poses a serious threat to democracy and human rights, accusing the government of prioritising state power over constitutional freedoms. The SLPA condemned the bill’s broad definition of terrorism, which could criminalise peaceful protests, and urged its immediate withdrawal. Commenting on the PSTA Bill, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said a 17-member committee of scholars has drafted a new law to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The draft, available in all three official languages on the ministry’s website, is open for public comment until February 28, with the committee promising to carefully consider all submissions before presenting it to the Cabinet or Parliament. |
Constitutional Council rejects President’s fourth Auditor General nomineeLankadeepa, Divaina The Constitutional Council (CC) has rejected O.R. Rajasinghe, the fourth nominee by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for Auditor General in the past eight months. Rajasinghe, a Sri Lanka Army officer in the Army Audit Division, received only four votes in favour, while five members—including all three civil society representatives, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and SJB MP Ajith P. Perera—voted against. |
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: Daily News
“It is our collective responsibility to transform the nation into one that commands respect and value on the global stage” – President
Dinamina, Divaina, Thinakkural, Virakesari, Thinakaran
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake commended the Sri Lanka Army for its dedicated service, especially its crucial role in rescue and relief operations during the recent cyclone.
Speaking as Chief Guest at the commissioning and passing-out parade of cadet officers at the Sri Lanka Military Academy in Diyatalawa, he congratulated the newly commissioned officers and urged citizens to unite in restoring national values, dignity, and global respect.
He called for unity and collective commitment to rebuild the country.
Indian Foreign Minister in Sri Lanka today; Chinese delegation to arrive tomorrow
Dinamina, Lankadeepa, Aruna, Divaina, Thinakkural, Thinakaran, Thamilan
Newspapers reported that Sri Lanka will host two major diplomatic visits this week.
India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar will arrive today (22nd) to distribute relief aid to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, while China’s NPC Standing Committee Chair Zhao Leji will visit tomorrow (23rd) with a delegation to oversee disaster assistance efforts.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. USD 206 million in financial aid from the IMF – Dinamina, Mawbima, Thinakaran
2. Constable hospitalised after alleged assault by NPP MP – Lankadeepa, Aruna, Divaina, Mawbima, Thinakkural, Thamilan
3. “The country doesn’t need education reforms that disregard the rights of parents” – His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith – Lankadeepa, Divaina, Virakesari
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