DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: “Unite against the government’s authoritarianism; people’s protest on November 21 in Nugegoda” – Call by opposition party representatives | “Is Hitler’s police operating in the country? The power to carry out death sentences is in the hands of underworld gangs” – Udaya Gammanpila Thinakaran: Foreign debt restructuring program; Sri Lanka and Australia sign bilateral agreement | Opportunity for Sri Lankans living abroad to vote in elections | Kuwait Airways launches direct service to Sri Lanka | Letter submitted to the Ministry requesting the release of copies of the Holy Quran from Customs | Jaffna: Recognition among international cities |
Thinakkural: “Fascism is emerging in the country; the Hitler within Anura is coming out!” – Gammanpila | Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha chairperson murdered over a Rs. 1.5 million contract! Information revealed by the killer Thamilan: People’s rally against the government on the 21st – Opposition parties to gather! Meeting organised in Nugegoda | Voting rights for Sri Lankans abroad; a special committee has been appointed, says Minister Vijitha Herath |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: This newspaper was unavailable at the time of publishing FrontPage Divaina: The murder of Lasantha (Wickramasekara) was committed on a Rs. 2 million order: the six suspects held in detention for 72 hours; was the contract actually given by ‘Dubai Lokka’? | Pilgrim killed by a Bo tree that fell in Mihintale amid strong winds: the life of a nine-year-old saved; “no steps were taken to rectify the situation even though officers from the Department of Archaeology informed of possible danger” – Mihintale Rajamaha Viharadhipathi Walawahangunawawe Dhammarathana Nahimi Mawbima: The Weligama murder was carried out on a contract by ‘Dubai Lokka’: only Rs. 1.2 million received from the Rs. 2 million that was promised | “Four public representatives are directly linked to the underworld” – Ananda Wijepala
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Dinamina: The Weligama assassin was apprehended using AI pictures: the group, including the shooter detained and questioned for 72 hours | “Took pictures without knowing Padme was an underworld figure; businesses were conducted with earned money; one cannot do wrong and sleep in freedom” – Cinema actor Srimali Fonseka tells the CID Aruna: The (Weligama) chairperson’s murder was a Rs. 2 million order: “the contract was given by ‘Dubai Lokka’” Anidda: This paper is published on Fridays only |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
New UN resolution risks reinforcing impunity – British Tamils Forum issues warning in a letter to Volker Türk
Thamilan
The British Tamils Forum (BTF) wrote to the UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, to express deep concern over the recently adopted UNHRC Resolution A/HRC/60/L.1/Rev.1 on Sri Lanka.
The BTF warned that the resolution, which promotes reconciliation and accountability, risks reinforcing impunity instead of advancing justice for the Tamil people.
It asserted that the resolution fails to address the conflict’s root causes, ignores the genocidal elements of decades of state violence, and has eroded the confidence of Tamil victims.
Furthermore, the forum noted the UNHRC’s continued reliance on domestic mechanisms, suggesting this could inadvertently legitimise acts consistent with genocide.
The letter also highlighted ongoing state-sponsored violations like land grabs and demographic changes as evidence of entrenched structural genocide in the North and East.
Families of the missing stage protest in front of the Presidential Secretariat
Thinakkural The 35th annual commemoration of the disappeared was held yesterday (27th) near the monument for the disappeared in Raddoluwa, Seeduwa. The Families of the Disappeared Union organised the event, which took place under the leadership of the Union’s President, Britto Fernando. Relatives of the disappeared from various parts of the country, including the North and East, participated and paid floral tributes to the memorial. Following the commemoration, members of the Union traveled to Colombo to stage a peaceful protest in front of the Ministry of Justice and the Presidential Secretariat. The protestors, carrying placards, questioned why the Justice Minister had not responded to their letters and appealed to the President to grant them an audience. A petition containing their general demands was handed over to the secretaries of the Justice Minister and the President. |
“Opportunity for Sri Lankans living abroad to vote in elections” – Vijitha Herath
Thamilan, Thinakaran
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath announced that the government plans to grant the right to vote to Sri Lankans residing abroad. The Minister made this statement while addressing an event marking the 40th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). He further noted that a special committee has already been appointed by the Ministry of Public Administration, and the necessary legal framework is being prepared to allow overseas citizens to vote in national elections. The government is also planning to introduce a pension scheme for this group, who contribute significantly to the economy. |
Easter Sunday attack – Judgment on Maithri’s writ petition postponed
Thamilan, Virakesari The Court of Appeal concluded the hearing yesterday (27th) on the writ petition filed by former President Maithripala Sirisena and deferred its ruling. Sirisena had filed the petition seeking an order to quash a private complaint lodged against him for allegedly failing to act on intelligence warnings regarding the Easter Sunday attacks. The case was heard before a five-judge bench of the Court of Appeal, including Justices Dhammika Ganepola, P. Kumaran Ratnam, Sasi Mahendran, Damith Thotawatta, and Amal Ranaraja. The judges ordered the parties to file any further written submissions before November 23. |
“Take legal action against Tiran if you can; this matter is a litmus test for the President” – Patali challengesVirakesari
Leader of the United Republic Front, Patali Champika Ranawaka, challenged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to “take proper legal action against his political ally, Tiran Alles, regarding the electronic visa issuance system.” Speaking at a press conference in Colombo yesterday (27th), Ranawaka called this situation a litmus test for the president, who claims that the law is common to all. Ranawaka also noted that the United Republic Front filed a Fundamental Rights case in the Supreme Court on July 28, 2024, based on the Committee on Public Finance report, which includes Tiran Alles’s name, as he served as the Minister of Public Security when the e-visa system was implemented. He urged the President to launch a formal investigation and prosecute the political figures and officials involved in this matter, which caused a loss of billions of dollars to the government. |
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Daily News
Annul the “LGBTIQ promotional article” of the chair of the tourism board – A petition before the Appeals Court
Mawbima, Aruna
A petition was filed before the Court of Appeal (CA) contesting the legality of the alleged endorsement of the Projects to Promote and Develop LGBTIQ Tourism in Sri Lanka.
The petitioners, President and the Convener of the Federation of National Organizations Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara, Patriotic National Movement Secretary Dr. Wasantha Bandara and two other individuals, submitted this petition requesting a court order to halt the enforcement of the document issued by the Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).
The petitioners had named Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, SLTDA Chairperson Buddhika Hewawasam and several others as respondents.
Do not insult Nilanga Dela Bandara: court imposes ban on Sanjaya Mahawaththa
Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina An order was issued yesterday (27th) by Additional Magistrate Saliya Channa Abeyratne, prohibiting statements that defame Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara, who serves as the acting Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy. The order was issued until the interim injunction sought by the plaintiff is granted in a case filed by the acting Diyawadana Nilame demanding Rs. 500 million in compensation from social activist Sanjaya Mahawaththa. |
“Prepared to support formulating laws to eradicate crimes” – Premadasa
Dinamina Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa stated that he is prepared to cooperate in formulating the necessary laws to eradicate crime in the country. Premadasa mentioned that while the policy of a government should be to “allow people to live, what is currently operating in the country is a culture of murder and assassination.” The Opposition Leader added that a large number of shootings this year alone have resulted in deaths and injuries. |
1.8 million tourists have arrived within 10 months
Dinamina
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) states that close to 120,000 foreign tourists arrived in the country during the first three weeks of this month.
Accordingly, 119,670 foreign tourists had arrived in Sri Lanka by October 23, which is a growth compared to the first three weeks of October 2024.
The SLTDA also points out that 135,907 foreign tourists had arrived in Sri Lanka during the entirety of October in the year 2024.
The SLTDA also expresses confidence that by the end of this month, a noticeable increase will be recorded compared to October 2024.
During the past 10 months of this year, 1,845,164 tourists have arrived in the country, which is a significant increase compared to the year 2024.
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: Newswire
Mahajana Handa (People’s Voice), organised by the joint opposition against the government, to be held on November 21 | The SJB will not be joining the opposition’s Mahajana Handa
Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
Several opposition parties announced yesterday (27th) that they will launch a united campaign with a mass rally in Nugegoda on November 21 to show their opposition to the Government and mobilise public support for their effort.
However, notably, no representative from the main opposition party, the SJB, was present at the media briefing despite the party being listed among the participating groups.
Political parties, including the SLPP, SLFP, UNP, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU), Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP), National Freedom Front (NFF), Sri Lanka Mahajana Pakshaya (SLMP), and Nawa Janatha Peramuna (NJP), are expected to participate in the rally.
The campaign was announced at a press conference held yesterday (27th) under the banner ‘Mahajana Handa’ (People’s Voice), which featured representatives from several opposition parties.
The murder of Lasantha (Wickramasekara) was committed on a Rs. 2 million order | The Weligama assassin was apprehended using AI pictures: the group, including the shooter detained and questioned for 72 hours
Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakkural, Thamilan
Papers report that police investigations have revealed that the murder of the Chairperson of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha, Lasantha Wickramasekara, was committed on a Rs. 2 million contract issued by an underworld gang leader named ‘Dubai Lokka’.
Six suspects linked to the incident are being held in 72-hour detention and questioned further.
The shooter stated that he was caught when he was attempting to collect Rs. 150,000 that was supposedly placed in a dumpster in Nawinna.
Dinamina stressed in their headline that the shooter was apprehended using AI images.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. “The IGP is attempting to create a clash between ‘Mathugama Shan’ and I” | “Will go to courts against the IGP for linking me to criminal gangs” – MP Jagath Vithana – Divaina, Mawbima, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakkural, Thamilan
2. The statement made by the IGP about MP Jagath Vithana is illegal behaviour – SJB issues statement – Divaina, Mawbima, Aruna, Thinakkural
3. Jaffna joins the list of 25 best destinations in the world – Lonely Planet magazine states – Dinamina, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural
4. “A year has passed since the government came into power, not even one promise has been fulfilled out of the 1,359 promises they made” | “Facism is emerging in the country; the Hitler within Anura is coming out” | “The power to give out death sentences is in the hands of underworld gangs; is Hitler’s Police operating in the country” – Gammanpila – Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakkural
5. Sri Lanka arrives at a credit restructuring agreement with Australia – Mawbima, Dinamina, Thinakaran
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