DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: Fuel prices increase by 35% in March; Sinopec and Lanka IOC raise prices beyond fixed rates | Heavy Iranian attack on Israel; 180 people injured | “Increase bus fares by 15%; otherwise, strike action” – Transport unions warn | Risk of price hikes for food and medicinal items | “Will electricity tariffs be increased?” – Minister Nalinda says the request is being examined Thinakaran: “Fuel subsidy for the people; Government bears monthly cost of Rs. 20 billion; measures to control price hikes of essential goods; government action as a mechanism to reduce the public burden” — Nalinda Jayatissa |
Thinakkural: Fuel prices hiked massively; prices to skyrocket! Costs of goods and services likely to rise sharply; innocent people in great distress | “Government loses Rs. 100 on diesel and Rs. 20 on petrol” – Minister Nalinda says Thamilan: 48-hour deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz set by Trump! Threatens to destroy power plants if not met; Tehran says the entire Gulf will be destroyed if that happens | Will fuel prices increase again? |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: Transport fares rise alongside fuel prices; container charges up 20%, bus minimum at Rs. 35? Three-wheeler starting fare set at Rs. 20; school van charges unchanged for now, decision on bus fare revision expected today; a proposal for 10% increase to the Cabinet | “No crude oil shipments until March; future supply uncertain, continuous supply assured despite price hikes; no power cuts yet; even if the war ends tomorrow the economic impacts would not end” — Minister Jayatissa; “Do not go on trips, conserve fuel” – Chairperson of CEYPETCO Divaina: Fuel price surge burns every sector; “The two fuel shipments now uncertain” — Minister Jayatissa; “Global fuel prices rose by 141%, local prices only 36%” — Chairperson of CEYPETCO; Prices of imported essential goods to rise by 1–10%; three-wheeler fees to be increased by Rs. 20; container transport fees rise by 20%; “Bus fare should be increased by 15%” — Gemunu Wijeratne; “Proposal to revise bus fare to the Cabinet today” — Director of NTC; Hospital channeling fees for distance consultations increased; Broad rise in prices of goods and services; “Disruptions in vegetable distribution” — Dambulla wholesale merchants; Further revisions expected from April 1 depending on global fuel price trends
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Dinamina: “Global fuel prices have gone up endlessly; The government is absorbing Rs. 20,000 million subsidies; Rs. 100 per litre for diesel and Rs. 20 per litre for petrol; Rs. 200 price hike proposed, with costs to be shared by the government and companies” — Minister Jayatissa Aruna: Fuel prices shake the country; three-wheeler fees to be increased by Rs. 20; “school van fees won’t be increased till May” — School van associations; container charges increase; “The bakery has been hit” — Bakery owners; Arrack prices also impacted | A proposal for 10% increase in bus fare to the Cabinet Anidda: This paper is published only on Fridays |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Ceylon Today
“No decision to further restrict school activities” —
Government announcement – Nalinda Jayatissa
Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the government has not yet taken any decision to limit school operations despite the ongoing fuel crisis.
Addressing a special media briefing held yesterday (22nd) at the Department of Government Information in Colombo, he confirmed that the first school term will conclude on April 10 as scheduled.
The Ministry of Education has previously decided to conduct schools four days a week to ensure the continuity of students’ education.
This measure, which includes granting a holiday on Wednesdays, was implemented specifically to reduce fuel consumption.
“Discussion with the business community: Proper measures to prevent price hikes of essential goods” — Deputy Minister R.M. Jayawardena
Thinakaran Despite the impact on the cost of living due to the Middle East conflict and regional tensions, the government has taken appropriate measures to prevent a significant increase in the prices of essential goods during the upcoming festive season. Deputy Minister R.M. Jayawardena stated that priority will be given to maintaining price stability through discussions with importers and traders rather than imposing price controls. He emphasised that arbitrary price hikes under the pretext of the global crisis will not be permitted, and essential items have been imported in large quantities through Sathosa to prevent market shortages. Although the country relies on imports for potatoes, onions, and dhal, he noted that these are being imported without hindrance from countries such as India and Pakistan. |
“The approach of the government regarding the Jaffna University student issue is racist” — Gajendrakumar PonnambalamThinakkural
ACTC leader and MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam stated that attempting to legally suppress the sentiments expressed by students on behalf of the Tamil people is a manifestation of the government’s racist approach. On 19 March, three students from the University of Jaffna were summoned to the Jaffna Police Station by the Jaffna District Crime Prevention Division and interrogated for approximately five hours regarding the alleged removal of the national flag and the hoisting of a black flag on February 4. In a statement, Ponnambalam strongly condemned these intimidatory actions, asserting that the Anura Kumara Dissanayake government is using a “racist police force to silence students protesting peacefully for their rights.” He emphasised that such measures are an attempt to crush the voices of those who act within the law to express the collective grievances of the Tamil community. |
“Monthly payment of Rs. 10,000 should be provided to families” — Former Minister Channa Jayasumana requests
Virakesari, Thinakkural
Former SLPP MP and State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana stated that the current government should provide a monthly allowance of at least Rs. 10,000 to the public during the ongoing crisis.
He noted that this would be similar to the measures taken by the previous government during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, he emphasised that a special allowance should also be granted to government employees to alleviate their financial burden.
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Daily News
President of ADB visits Sri Lanka
Dinamina
President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Masato Kanda is visiting Sri Lanka from March 23 (today) to March 25.
He arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake early this morning and was received by Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando.
On the second day of his visit (24th), President Kanda and his delegation are scheduled to travel to Kegalle district to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
SJB-UNP marriageDivaina Speaking at an event held at the Mahaweli Centre in Colombo on March 21, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of unity between the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP). He stated that the two parties would work together in the future to establish a government that prioritises the welfare and aspirations of the people. Premadasa highlighted that the UNP and SJB intend to form a broad coalition, aiming for what he described as “the victory of the people” across the country. Divaina also reported remarks by Deputy Leader of the UNP Ruwan Wijewardene, who emphasised the potential for strong collaboration between the parties, and by former UNP MP Navin Dissanayake, who reflected that past divisions had hindered their electoral success. |
“Responsibility for power cuts lies with Anura” — RanawakaAruna Former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka stated that the responsibility for upcoming power cuts lies with the current government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, rather than external factors such as the Iran war. He made these remarks yesterday (22) during an event in Nawalapitiya. Speaking to the media, Ranawaka criticised the government’s handling of relief efforts following Cyclone Ditwah, saying that authorities failed to allow voluntary organisations to construct houses and religious facilities for affected communities. He noted that during the tsunami disaster, voluntary organisations were able to rebuild homes and places of worship without direct government involvement. Ranawaka described this as the government’s first major challenge, emphasising that despite prior warnings, the government did not fully prevent the disaster’s impact. |
University of Wolverhampton confirms Ranil’s invitation
Lankadeepa
The University of Wolverhampton has informed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was invited to attend its 2023 graduation ceremony, where his spouse, Maithree Wickramasinghe, was awarded an honorary professorship.
The university’s confirmation was provided in response to a CID inquiry, conducted under an order from the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.
The vice-chancellor of the university also clarified to the CID director that the institution is government-affiliated and receives state funding.
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
Fuel prices increase | “Government is absorbing Rs. 20,000 million subsidies” — Jayatissa
Dinamina, Lankadeepa, Divaina, Thinakkural, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thamilan
Newspapers reported a statement by the Cabinet spokesperson, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, that the government is absorbing approximately Rs. 20 billion per month in fuel subsidies to cushion the impact of rising global prices, with Rs. 100 per litre of diesel and Rs. 20 per litre of petrol currently subsidised.
The minister also highlighted uncertainty surrounding fuel shipments expected in April and May, while assuring continued supply without immediate power cuts, and cautioning that economic repercussions will persist regardless of global developments.
Fuel prices have been revised for the third time this month, with increases across diesel, petrol, and kerosene.
Coverage also emphasises spillover effects, including demands for fare hikes from bus, school van, and three-wheeler operators.
A 10% bus fare increase is to be submitted to the Cabinet, while Lankadeepa, Divaina, and Aruna report a 20% rise in container transport charges alongside increases in three-wheeler starting fares.
Day 23 of conflict
Dinamina, Divaina, Aruna, Thinakkural, Virakesari, Thamilan
Newspaper coverage noted that the conflict between the US–Israel and Iran had reached its 23rd day.
Reports highlighted a statement by Donald Trump warning that unless Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, the United States would target and destroy Iran’s fuel production infrastructure.
In response, Iranian authorities were reported as issuing a strong counter-warning, stating that any attack would have severe consequences for the entire Middle East.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. “Global fuel prices rose by 141%, local prices only 36. Do not go on trips, conserve fuel” – Chairperson of CEYPETCO –Lankadeepa, Divaina, Aruna, Thinakaran
2. QR quota increased – Dinamina, Thinakaran
3. Iran attacks Israel; four Sri Lankans injured –Lankadeepa, Virakesari
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