DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: “No invitation was sent at the diplomatic level; not ready to respond to the Ambassador’s statement regarding the Iranian ship” – Cabinet Spokesperson | Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha joined Principal M. Mooventhan to cut a celebratory cake, marking the historic centenary of Colombo Vivekananda College Thinakaran: “Government decides to purchase fuel from Russia; diplomatic discussions commenced” – Nalinda Jayatissa | Prof. Velnampy takes oath as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jaffna today |
Thinakkural: “Price increase on existing fuel stocks; The government profits up to Rs. 700 billion! If relief is not provided, the people will take to the streets” – MP Mujibur warns | “UN is ready to provide more assistance to the North” – The Resident Coordinator for Sri Lanka confirmed this commitment Thamilan: Economise on fuel stocks! The government has issued special guidelines, requesting cooperation from both public and private institutions |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: “Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is in crisis following the Hormuz issue: cost doubled following the fuel price increase” – Joint Apparel Association Forum Divaina: Bowser illegally storing petrol and diesel seized in Walana
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Dinamina: 200 new luxury buses to the SLTB to be driven on highways: four buses received free of charge; 600 others ordered; a step to increase quality of national transportation Aruna: “Was the fuel quota given to ministers and MPs reduced?” — Journalist questions | “Will check calculations and inform” – Cabinet Spokesperson; 700 litres for ministers Anidda: This paper is published only on Fridays |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
“Price increase on existing fuel stocks; The government profits up to Rs. 700 billion! If relief is not provided, the people will take to the streets” – MP Mujibur warns
Thinakkural, Virakesari
Thinakkural: SJB MP Mujibur Rahman claimed that the government gained a profit of Rs. 700 billion by increasing fuel prices for existing stocks rather than new imports.
Speaking at a public meeting in Colombo yesterday (24th), he stated that the government failed to make necessary preparations for the domestic crises arising from the Middle East conflict due to a lack of management.
He noted that while the opposition leader warned the government in January to secure fuel stocks in anticipation of war, the president later confirmed in parliament that the country had a 40-day supply.
Virakesari, Thinakkural: Mujibur Rahman claimed that the Iranian Ambassador’s statement has exposed a lie told by the president regarding three Iranian ships.
He noted that while the president previously urged the opposition not to spread false propaganda about the regional war, the Iranian Ambassador publicly clarified that Sri Lanka had specifically invited the three vessels.
Rahman asserted that the president, whom he claims frequently misleads the public domestically, has now begun to do so on an international level.
“UN is ready to provide more assistance to the North” – The Resident Coordinator for Sri Lanka confirmed this commitment
Thinakkural UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Marc-André Franche stated that the UN considers him an ambassador for the Northern Province and is ready to provide maximum assistance through new funding mechanisms. During a high-level meeting with Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vethanayahan yesterday (24th), Franche pledged support for resolving land disputes, land release processes, and reconciliation-based infrastructure projects. Governor Vethanayahan highlighted that many citizens lack land documents due to the war and requested technical support and international funding, such as the Green Climate Fund, to assist small businesses and foreign investment. |
“India and Sri Lanka are civilisational friends with cultural and spiritual ties” – Indian High Commissioner Santosh JhaVirakesari
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha participated as the chief guest at the centenary celebrations of Colombo Vivekananda College yesterday (24th). During the event, which included the release of a commemorative postcard, stamp, and silver coin, the High Commissioner described India and Sri Lanka as civilisational friends bound by cultural and spiritual ties. He stated that standing in the college founded by Swami Vivekananda was both an honour and a blessing, noting its significance as one of the country’s oldest Hindu schools since its establishment in 1926. Addressing the students, he emphasised that the teachings of Swami Vivekananda remain relevant today and encouraged them to be guided by the discipline and compassion instilled by the institution. High Commissioner Jha expressed confidence that the college would continue to strengthen the bonds between the two nations through its educational and social services.. |
Insult to Up-Country Tamils; Complaint filed against MP Archchuna at the CID
Thinakkural
Civil society representatives from the Hill Country filed a complaint against MP Ramanathan Archchuna with the Inspector General of Police and the CID yesterday (24th).
The complaint, lodged under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act, No. 56 of 2007, alleges that recent public statements made by the MP insulted the Hill Country Tamil community.
Activists, including Jeevaratnam Suresh and Anthony Jagathasan, claimed the remarks promoted regionalism, disrupted social harmony, and constituted hate speech.
The complainants have urged authorities to conduct an immediate investigation and take necessary legal action.
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
Expert committee appointed to develop energy economy
Divaina, Dinamina
The Cabinet has approved a proposal of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to appoint an expert committee, chaired by Dr Hans Wijesuriya, to develop the energy economy of Sri Lanka.
According to a statement issued by the Department of Government Information, the government recognises the importance of exploring innovative and forward-looking approaches and implementing them to achieve sustainable growth in the national economy.
Accordingly, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa noted that although the energy economy has been identified as a priority sector, weak coordination among the main economic sectors has hindered investment in this area.
Sajin de Vass Gunawardena further remanded till March 31Lankadeepa, Divaina, Dinamina
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has extended the remand of former MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena until March 31. This decision follows the court’s rejection of a bail application filed on behalf of Gunawardena, who was originally taken into custody by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). Gunawardena remains in detention facing allegations involving the illicit acquisition of assets. Accordingly, the court’s latest order ensures the suspect will remain in investigative custody till 31 March. During the court proceedings, it was noted that the investigation into the suspect concerns the accumulation of assets exceeding Rs. 240 million between March 31, 2013, and March 31, 2014, while Gunawardena served as the Monitoring MP for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The investigating officer also informed the court that a bank account belonging to the suspect’s spouse was found to contain millions. Consequently, the officer stated that a formal statement must be recorded from her regarding these funds. |
200 new luxury buses for the SLTB to be driven on highways: four buses received free of charge; 600 others ordered; a step to increase quality of national transportationDinamina The Ministry of Transport and Highways has officially called for tenders to purchase 200 new luxury buses to further strengthen the expressway operations of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB). The primary objective of this project is to modernise the country’s public transport service and provide a more comfortable and high-quality transport service to the commuting public. It is expected that the addition of these new buses to the service will further strengthen expressway and long-distance bus services. Furthermore, the Ministry of Transport expects to raise national transport standards through this process. Additionally, an order for another 600 buses is scheduled to be implemented in the future, while four buses are reported to be given free of charge. |
Risk of price of medicine increasing – NMRA
Aruna
Chairperson of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), Specialist Dr Ananda Wijewickrama, stated that there is a risk of medicine prices increasing.
Wijewickrama stated that the importation of medicines to the country is being carried out by the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) and that the relevant procurement activities are being conducted correctly.
Wijewickrama also mentioned that the medicines required for the country’s hospital system are purchased from Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
The Chair further stated that while a shortage of medicines will not arise within Sri Lanka due to the war situation in the Middle East, the prices may be affected.
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: GLN
ADB increases financial assistance to USD 480 million: delegation, including ADB President, meets President Dissanayake
Divaina, Dinamina, Thinakaran, Thinakkural
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to increase the funding approved for Sri Lanka for this year from USD 380 million to USD 480 million.
Furthermore, in view of the prevailing situation, an agreement has been reached to provide USD 200 million of that amount expeditiously.
President of the ADB Masato Kanda and the accompanying delegation made the statement yesterday (24th) during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat.
During this meeting, extensive discussions were held regarding how the support of the ADB can be provided to achieve the future development goals of Sri Lanka, and President Dissanayake further stated that the support of the ADB is expected for the government’s programme to rebuild the country following the dual disaster situation.
“Commenced bilateral discussions to purchase oil from Russia” – Minister Nalinda Jayatissa
Dinamina, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa stated that diplomatic discussions have commenced to obtain fuel from Russia.
The minister made the statement during the media briefing to announce cabinet decisions held at the Department of Government Information yesterday (24th).
Minister Jayatissa added that diplomatic talks for this purpose have already begun and that the government is currently focusing on the possibility of obtaining fuel through government-to-government agreements.
The minister further stated that the Deputy Minister of Energy of Russia is scheduled to visit the country in the future, and further discussions regarding this matter are expected to be held at that time.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. “Fuel formula was not used for price increase” — Minister Nalinda Jayatissa – Divaina, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakkural
2. “The Iranian ship was not invited: the Chief of the Navy only had a friendly conversation” – Minister Nalinda Jayatissa – Lankadeepa, Virakesari, Thinakkural, Thamilan
3. Presidential Suite at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital open to the general public – Divaina, Dinamina, Thinakkural, Thamilan
4. Government issues a list of guidelines to conserve fuel and electricity – Dinamina, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thamilan
5. Law enforcement politicised: Opposition representatives send a joint letter to international legal expert organisations highlighting a major threat to the public and judiciary – Lankadeepa, Dinamina, Virakesari
6. Pakistan, Egypt and Türkiye attempt to establish a ceasefire between Iran and the US: price of crude oil increases again after Iran denies peace talks with Trump: “208 of our children were killed in the attack” — Iran alleges: an explosion in a Texas oil refinery – Divaina, Thinakaran
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