26 February 2025 | Vol. 11, #34

DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS

Virakesari: “A Truth [and Reconciliation] Commission will be established to investigate violations” – Herath addresses the UNHRC | Photograph: Minister Vijitha Herath meets United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk

Thinakaran: “Indian fisherfolk’s encroachment can only be stopped if the Tamil Nadu government puts its mind to it” – Minister Chandrasekar strongly tells the deputy high commissioner of India to Sri Lanka | The second reading of the budget was passed in parliament with a majority of 109 votes; 155 in favour; 46 against; Selvam Adaikkalanathan votes in favour; 23 including Archuna did not participate in the voting

Thinakkural: The president engages in a special discussion on the security situation with army commanders | Information revealed in parliament regarding the massacres that took place during 1989 riots | “Is there a burial pit for Namal in [his place]?” – MP D.V. Chanaka [gets] angry

Thamilan: “A new law to be brought for national security; a special committee appointed by the president” – Cabinet Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa | “May Maha Shivaratri guide to a meaningful life” – President | “Tax imposition might increase!” – [Cabinet spokesperson]

Lankadeepa: Namal [Rajapaksa] to the CID today over a SriLankan Airlines deal | “Sanjeewa will be hit at the courts” – Fake lawyer and mastermind Sewwandi tells her brother in a message via messenger; retaining orders for the mother and the brother; clothes have been bought using the mother’s account; both the mother and the brother had been aware of the murder; her boyfriend has been remanded

Divaina: “It is illegal that the magistrate is not granting bail” – Lawyers of both parties state; High Court grants bail to Ven. Gnanasara Thera

Ada: Information regarding the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa also found on Ishara’s brother’s phone; information regarding a failed assassination attempt on February 14; Rs. 100,000 credited to Ishara’s brother’s account; information about the plan of the murder on February 19; message sent after completion; Sewwandi has used her mother’s bank account and card for the crimes; Ishara’s mother and brother arrested, detained and questioned; 10 including two constables arrested; Sanjeewa was brought on an order from court number nine; Rs. 1 million awarded for any information on Ishara; a woman who looks like Ishara, arrested; “The suspect is in the country” – Police media spokesperson

Mawbima: Eight, including the shooter who murdered a youth who was made to kneel down at the Uswetakeiyawa beach, caught; caught in Negombo; a woman also among the arrested | Mother and brother of the second suspect detained and questioned; sister had sent messages on the murder of Sanjeewa to the brother

Dinamina: Second reading of the budget passed in parliament with a majority of 109 votes; 155 for, 46 against; vote on third reading to be held on March 21

Aruna: The suspect, before killing Sanjeewa, had deposited Rs. 20,000 into her mother’s account; sent
message to brother stating “The task is done”

Anidda: This paper is published on Fridays only

TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES

“A new law to be brought for national security; a special committee appointed by the president” – Nalinda Jayatissa

Virakesari, Thamilan

ACabinet Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa claimed that the government has initiated discussions on bringing a new law to ensure national security of the country, adding that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed a committee for that purpose. He further added that action will have to be taken under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in relation to the current incidents and organised crimes in the country, as there is no alternative law to the PTA. They (the government) will act according to the laws currently in force; however, the process has been initiated to bring in a new law for national security as soon as possible.

“Indian fisherfolk’s encroachment can only be stopped if the Tamil Nadu government puts its mind to it” – Minister Chandrasekar tells the deputy high commissioner of India to Sri Lanka

Thinakkural, Thinakaran

Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar held a discussion with the deputy high commissioner of India to Sri Lanka on matters including bilateral relations and the issues of fisherfolk. Chandrasekar noted that that the Central Government of India and the Tamil Nadu government have to take strict measures to prevent Indian fisherfolk from illegally entering Sri Lankan waters and engaging in fishing. The minister stated that Indian fisherfolk are being arrested for illegally entering Sri Lankan waters and said that the National People’s Power government is approaching the fisherfolk’s issue humanely.

SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES

Namal [Rajapaksa] to the CID today over a SriLankan Airlines deal

Lankadeepa, Divaina, Aruna

MP Namal Rajapaksa has been summoned to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today (26th) to obtain a statement regarding a financial transaction that had taken place during the replacement of an aircraft fleet for SriLankan Airlines. Rajapaksa has been called after the CID received a complaint regarding the irregularities that had occurred during the replacement of the aircraft fleet.

“‘National security is at risk’: A misconception in mass media” – Nalinda Jayatissa

Dinamina, Aruna

Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that a propaganda campaign has been launched on the basis of the conflicts between organised crime gangs stating that ‘national security is in danger’. The minister made the statement at a cabinet briefing held
yesterday (25th) at the Government Information Department. He added that these days the politicians of the opposition are continuously asking unnecessary questions about national security in parliament.

COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS