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DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: Get the support of the effected people; supporting nations stress in Geneva on new reconciliation accountability mechanism | Speaker in conflict with Shanakiyan; MP Archuna intervenes | Fundamentalist groups originating in the East; intelligence team investigates; government notifies |Postal applications will be accepted till 12th Thinakaran: Fuel distributors agree to new formula; pending discussion on 13th |Future of the country will be prosperous; Peter Breuer states | Largest fishing vessel (manufactured) of Sri Lanka launched at Dikowita |Modi to visit Sri Lanka in April; will open the Sampur electricity project | Nationwide strike by doctors suspended; decision after talks with minister of health |
Thinakkural: Fundamentalist group formed in the East; special attention [by] security personnel says Nalinda | [There are] incidents in Batticaloa as stated by the president; pay close attention says Shanakiyan | Kalmunai Tamils continue to face injustice; Kodeeswaran [holds] government responsible | [Must] Get the support of the affected people; co-sponsoring nations urge Sri Lanka Thamilan: Postal applications; time extended to apply |Distributors comply to transport fuel | Muslim terrorist group in [the] East; informs Nalinda| Good opportunity for accountability; accept international obligations [through] new laws; UNHCR emphasises | Respect peoples opinion says MP Radhakrishnan |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: Cannot cover expenses although the charges were increased: IMF issues directives to increase the electricity bill | The issue related to the Acting IGP and the commission worsens: influencing transfers is an obstacle to the commission; a notice from the commission rejecting all allegations Divaina: “12 T56 bullets were given to murder ‘Kajja’ at the behest of ‘Backo-Sarath’: the bullets were brought and hidden at home while on active service during the war” – Weeraketiya PC exposes | No strikes! Minister Nalinda reveals how doctors’ salaries are to be increased through the budget | Doctors [GMOA] reverse move to launch strike; “The distributors agreed, the fuel issue is over” – Jayatissa Ada: “We strongly reject accusation of the Acting IGP; all promotions and transfers were given under the recommendations of the IGP” – National Police Commission salutes the Acting IGP | “An extremist group from the East; security forces on high alert” – Cabinet Spokesperson |
Mawbima: President calls the GMOA: doctors withdraw the strike; “we will be on strike from tomorrow’ – Ravi Kumudesh | Commission responds to the allegations of the Acting IGP: all accusations rejected; IGP requested for police authority; investigations to be made on how the transfer were not implemented Dinamina: GMOA halts the strike – an agreement struck after a discussion with the minister of health | Minister Nalinda states how doctors’ salaries would be increased Aruna: “The basic salary of a doctor to increase by Rs. 39,000” – Nalinda Jayatissa Anidda: This paper is published on Fridays only |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: ISHR
An important opportunity for accountability; comply with international human rights obligations in new laws – UNHRC urges | Receive the support of affected communities – Core Group [Sri Lanka] urges regarding comprehensive reconciliation and accountability process
Virakesari, Thinakkural, Thamilan
Virakesari, Thinakkural: UK Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN Eleanor Sanders delivered a statement on behalf of the Core Group on Sri Lanka comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia and the United Kingdom at the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The ambassador commended Sri Lanka’s peaceful elections and the smooth transition of power last year and appreciated the government’s commitment to making meaningful progress on reconciliation and the initial steps taken, including returning land, lifting roadblocks and allowing communities in the North and East to commemorate the past and to memorialise their loved ones.
She emphasised that when replacing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), the new legislation should be in line with Sri Lanka’s international obligations. “As the government seeks to make progress on human rights and corruption cases, we urge that any comprehensive reconciliation and accountability process carry the support of affected communities, build on past recommendations and meet international standards”, the ambassador highlighted.
Thamilan: Speaking at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Director of OHCHR’s Global Operations Division Maarit Kohonen Sheriff presented an oral update on reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka. She added that this is an important opportunity in Sri Lanka’s history for meaningful action on accountability and justice.
“Need immediate steps to arrest sword wielding groups” – Shanakiyan
Thamilan Addressing parliament, Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam stated that the government should take measures to investigate the incidents of sword attacks in Batticaloa and arrest those involved. Thinakaran, Thinakkural and Thamilan quote him as saying that just as the president recently stated in parliament that underworld activities could take place in the Batticaloa District, incidents have happened. He called on the government to take proper action regarding these incidents. |
Sumanthiran strongly condemns the government for rejecting truth seeking mechanism; urges for international mechanismThamilan Acting General Secretary of the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) M.A. Sumanthiran claimed that they completely reject the government’s stance on rejecting the evidence gathering mechanism on the crimes committed during the war period. He added that the new government is acting as if it is not interested in knowing what really happened or is trying to cover it up. He further added that if true reconciliation is to be achieved, it must be based on the truth. This action of the government is hindering the aspirations of the Tamil people, he noted. He also pointed out that a mechanism to find out the truth should be established with international involvement. |
“Injustice for Kalmunai Tamils” – Kodeeswaran
Thinakkural, Virakesari
Acting General Secretary of the ITAK M.A. Sumanthiran claimed that his party will not be affected due to the alliance that is being formed ahead of the upcoming local government election comprising other Tamil parties.
In a separate news report, Thinakkural quotes Sumanthiran as having stated that there could be changes ahead of the upcoming provincial council election. Sumanthiran added that if ITAK MP S. Shritharan resigns from his parliamentary seat for any reason, he would become an MP as he received the second highest number of votes next to Shritharan in the parliamentary election.
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Daily FT
“A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” adopted as national policy framework
Mawbima, Ada
The Cabinet has approved the adoption of the NPP policy statement “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” as the government’s national policy framework. Accordingly, the policy aims for sustainable economic growth, targeting a GDP of USD 120 billion by 2030, with a strong focus on a manufacturing economy. The framework is structured around four key areas: a fulfilling life for a comfortable country, an honourable life for a safer country, a modern life for a wealthy nation and a dignified life for a strong country. The Cabinet has also authorised all government bodies to align their plans and activities with this framework.
Cash reward for Sewwandi’s whereabouts has increased to Rs.1.2 million
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Ada, Aruna The police headquarters has announced that the cash reward for providing any accurate information which will lead to the apprehension of the female accomplice involved in the murder of notorious underworld figure Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, alias Ganemulla Sanjeewa, has been increased to Rs. 1.2 million. Ganemulla Sanjeewa was shot dead on February 19, 2025 at the No. 05 Magistrate’s Court within the Hulftsdorp Courts Complex. Accordingly, the female suspect who allegedly aided and abetted the shooter of Ganemulla Sanjeewa has been identified as Pingpura Devage Ishara Sewwandi, a 25-year-old resident of Negombo who has been avoiding arrest since the incident took place. |
“We do not own fuel sheds; correct the deputy minister’s statement” – SJB MPs Gayantha, Harshana and Kins request the government
Divaina, Dinamina SJB MPs Gayantha Karunathilleka, Harshana Rajakaruna and Kins Nelson stated in parliament yesterday (4th) that the statement made by the government that they got ownership of fuel sheds by using political connections is completely false and that they do not own fuel sheds. These SJB MPs accordingly made a request from the government to correct the relevant statement made by a deputy minister of the government. Adding to the statement, MP Gayantha Karunathilleka stated that there is a fuel shed run by his grandfather before he was born, but that he does not own it. |
Tourist income in January recorded at USD 400 million
Dinamina
Sri Lanka has managed to gain an income of USD 400 million from tourism in January 2025. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) points out that it is a growth of 17.2 % compared to the USD 341.8 million earned from tourism in the country in January 2024. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), 252,761 foreign tourists have visited Sri Lanka in January this year alone, which is an increase of 21.4 % compared to the 208,253 who visited Sri Lanka in January last year.
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: The Colombo Post
No strikes! Minister Nalinda reveals how doctors’ salaries are to be increased through the budget | Doctors [GMOA] reverse move to launch strike
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Ada, Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural
The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to temporarily reverse the move to launch an island-wide strike that was planned to commence today (5th). Secretary of the GMOA Dr. Prabhath Sugathapala stated that the decision to call off the strike was made following discussions held with the Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday (4th). Accordingly, Dr. Sugathapala stated that the planned strike has been temporarily called off until the vote on the third reading of the 2025 Budget on March 21. Commenting on the issue, Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the move to call a strike was unfair especially when salaries of the doctors are being increased through the budget. Accordingly, Jayatissa provided a detailed explanation of the government’s efforts to increase the salaries and allowances of doctors. Speaking in parliament, the minister outlined several key changes that will take effect from April aimed at improving the financial well-being of medical professionals. He also added that the basic salary of doctors would be increased by Rs. 39,000 through the budget.
“Sri Lanka’s economic status is good” – Peter Breuer
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thamilan
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka Peter Breuer, speaking at a virtual media briefing, highlighted that there is a stark contrast between the country’s economic collapse in 2022 and its revival since implementing painful but necessary reforms. The IMF yesterday (4th) acknowledged the significant progress made by Sri Lanka in recovering the economy, whilst insisting that maintaining momentum is critical to securing long-term stability. The assessment came as the IMF’s Executive Board completed the third review under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF). Breuer raised concerns over the electricity issue in the country and added that the amended electricity charges do not cover the expenses of power supply. He also stated that strikes are a hindrance to the economic growth of the country.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. “Shed owners have accepted the new price formula” – MD of CEYPETCO – Lankadeepa, Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna, Thinakaran, Thamilan
2. “Information about another extremist group from the Eastern Province” – Nalinda Jayatissa – Ada, Mawbima, Virakesari, Thinakkural, Thinakaran, Thamilan
3. Postal voting applications for the LG election to be accepted till March 12 – Divaina, Virakesari, Thamilan
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