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DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: “Amendments to the constitution will not happen now. Priority is for the economy” – Government announces | Pictorial: Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa meeting with opposition MPs in parliament Thinakaran: “Certified prices for the purchase of paddy determined; to be implemented from today (6th)” – Minister Lal Kantha | Pictorial: Tourists examining coconut-based exports in Hikkaduwa |
Thinakkural: “New constitution won’t be presented at present” – Nalinda Jayatissa | Attempts to protect the criminals in the Lasantha [Wickrematunge] murder? | Will Gotabaya [Rajapaksa] be arrested?: cabinet spokesperson says he doesn’t know Thamilan: “Will take over the Gaza area” – U.S. President [Donald] Trump | “New constitution won’t happen now” – Nalinda Jayatissa | Lasantha [Wickrematunge] murder investigation: Attorney general recommends the release of three suspects | Price of one kilogram of paddy determined between Rs. 120 and Rs. 132 |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: “Not allowed to carry out work in the ministry”: Additional secretary of the Ministry of Transport goes to court against the secretary | Insulted by the footnote statement: Former minister C.B. [Rathnayake] ordered to pay Rs. 250 million to Sujeewa [Senasinghe] Divaina: Namal [Rajapaksa] receives summons over the Krrish deal: Notified to appear in court to accept the indictments on the 18th | Board decides on the minimum purchasing prices for paddy: nadu for Rs. 120, samba for Rs. 125, keeri samba for Rs. 132 Ada: “AG’s recommendation on Lasantha murder suspects is being reviewed by the government” – Cabinet Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa | AG’s recommendation that three suspects in the Lasantha murder investigation can be released is a shock to society – Free Media Movement | Certified prices for paddy declared: nadu for Rs. 120, samba for Rs. 125, keeri samba for Rs. 132 |
Mawbima: Lasantha murder investigation: Cabinet press briefing becomes heated by journalists’ objections; government to review the AG’s recommendations | Minister C. B. [Rathnayake] ordered to pay Rs. 250 million to Sujeewa Senasinghe for defamation Dinamina: [Paddy Marketing] Board sets prices for paddy | During Ranil’s time, four coconut oil companies have evaded taxes worth Rs. 5.8 billion | LG elections: Speaker says Supreme Court verdict not yet received Aruna: 13,000 complaints over the Onmax DT scam: Police gets a flood of information; a suspect has purchased land worth over Rs. 800 million | Government purchases paddy: nadu for Rs. 120, samba for Rs. 125, keeri samba for Rs. 132 Anidda: This paper is published on Fridays only |
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: Newswire
“Amendments to the constitution will not happen now. Priority is for the economy” – Government announces
Virakesari, Thinakkural, Thamilan
Cabinet Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa announced that the government is not expecting to amend the constitution or present a new constitution at present.
Virakesari notes that the constitution will not be amended, while Thinakkural and Thamilan note that a new constitution won’t be presented at present.
While acknowledging the importance of making amendments to the constitution, Jayatissa added that the government will face the economic challenges and prioritise stabilising the economy. He made this statement at a media briefing held yesterday (6th) at the Department of Government Information.
Will Gotabaya [Rajapaksa] be arrested?: cabinet spokesperson says he doesn’t know
Thinakkural, Virakesari Cabinet Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the government was unaware of any plans to arrest former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks. Jayatissa made this statement in response to questions raised by journalists about a claim made by former MP Udaya Gammanpila, who accused the government of planning to arrest Rajapaksa in relation to the Easter Sunday attacks. Jayatissa further stated that the institutions investigating the Easter Sunday attacks are responsible for informing the public about those they intend to arrest. |
Indian government provides a grant of [Sri Lankan] Rs. 600 million to the Mannar District HospitalThinakaran The Indian government has approved a financial grant of [Sri Lankan] Rs. 600 million to establish an Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit and provide medical equipment to the Mannar District Hospital. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan cabinet has approved the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) presented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism for the project. |
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES |
Photo credits: The Island
“Do not interfere with Easter Sunday investigations” – Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini urges Gammanpila
Ada, Aruna, Dinamina
Media Spokesperson for the Colombo Archdiocese Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini has called on politicians, including Udaya Gammanpila, not to interfere with the ongoing investigations into the Easter Sunday bombings. He emphasised that the current government appears to be conducting the investigations properly, and therefore political interference should be avoided. Rev. Fr. Gamini made these remarks when speaking at a media briefing held at the Archbishop’s House yesterday (5th).
He noted that investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks have resumed under the new government and that when CID officers are given the necessary freedom they can conduct independent investigations. He commented that recently the Catholic church has observed politicians making various statements about these investigations, and claimed that it is not a matter for politicians, but about finding the truth from the perspective of the victims. He further urged all politicians including Udaya Gammanpila to not interfere in this process and that the CID should be allowed to proceed without political or external pressure.
Several parties raise objections over the certified paddy prices
Aruna, Divaina, Lankadeepa, Mawbima Divaina, Lankadeepa and Mawbima report that several farmers’ organisations across the country have expressed their dissatisfaction over the certified prices set by the government for paddy. These reports mention that farmers’ organisations have raised objections over the increased costs of paddy production, which include costs for essential items such as seed paddy, fertilisers, pesticides, weedicides and fuel for harvesting and transportation. Despite the objections, several organisations also appreciated the government’s effort to set a minimum price, and stated that they would temporarily accept the government’s price decision as it was the first harvest under the new government. Aruna reports that rice mill owners have also stated that it is not possible to sell rice at the government-controlled price after purchasing paddy from the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) at its certified prices. They claim that this issue has arisen due to rising production costs. |
Ministry of Transport additional secretary goes to court against ministry secretary
Ada, Lankadeepa Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Transport Senior Administrative Officer W.S. Satyananda has filed a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition before the Supreme Court, stating that after his appointment as the additional secretary of the Ministry of Transport, the secretary of the Transport Ministry has been violating his fundamental rights by obstructing him from serving in that position. The petitioner has further requested an order preventing the ministry secretary from obstructing him while he performs his duties. |
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS |
Photo credits: Ada Derana
Government announces certified paddy prices
Ada, Aruna, Dinamina, Divaina, Lankadeepa, Mawbima, Thinakaran, Thamilan, Virakesari
The government announced the stipulated price for paddy yesterday (5th). According to Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha, the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) will purchase one kilogram of nadu at Rs. 120, samba at Rs. 125 and keeri samba at Rs 132, starting from February 6. Minister Lalkantha made this announcement during a media briefing at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation in Battaramulla yesterday (5th). The Minister stated that purchases would be made at PMB stores across the country, including in the North and the East. He also advised farmers to exercise caution to avoid falling victim to those involved in the paddy mafia. The minister further explained that one-third of the total cost of production was added when setting the stipulated price, and that the pricing formula took into account these factors as well as the price of rice in the local market. He informed that the government will intervene to ensure consumers receive rice at an affordable price by distributing paddy to small and medium-scale rice mills after fully assessing the market situation.
The Opposition prepares for a unified journey
Aruna, Divaina, Lankadeepa, Mawbima, Virakesari
Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, together with the leaders of opposition parties, held a discussion yesterday (5th) focused on future political activities including parliamentary affairs. The main objective of this discussion was to establish consensus among opposition parties on working collectively, both within and outside parliament. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that this collective approach would help build a stronger parliament. He emphasised that while supporting the government’s positive initiatives, the Opposition must also stand up against any actions harmful to the country and its people. Among those in attendance were MPs Gayantha Karunathilleka, J.C. Alawathuwala, Ajith P. Perera, Rishad Bathiudeen, Namal Rajapaksa, Dilith Jayaweera, Dayasiri Jayasekara, Ravi Karunanayake, Jeevan Thondaman, Sivagnanam Shritharan, G. Sathyalinagam, E. Adaikkalanathan, Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, Rauff Hakeem, Naseem Kariapper, C. Radhakrishnan, Anuradha Jayaratne, D.V. Chanaka and Kader Masthan.
Attorney General (AG) recommends the release of three key suspects in the Lasantha murder case: “Government to review AG’s recommendation” – Cabinet Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa | Free Media Movement shocked over the AG’s decision
Ada, Dinamina, Divaina, Mawbima, Virakesari, Thinakkural, Thamilan
Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the government is currently reviewing the Attorney General’s (AG) letter informing the possibility of releasing three suspects involved in the assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge. The minister made this statement during a media briefing held at the Department of Government Information yesterday (5th). He further elaborated that a statement on this matter will be issued after reviewing the relevant decision, as the NPP government was given a public mandate during the presidential and general elections to properly investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible are punished. He noted that the government will facilitate the necessary groundwork and resources for investigations and legal proceedings, but the final decision will be made by the judiciary. Objecting to the letter issued by the AG indicating the possibility of releasing three individuals suspected of involvement, the Free Media Movement (FMM) has expressed its shock over the decision. Issuing a statement, FMM pointed out that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the NPP government had emphasised the enforcement of justice for heinous crimes as a fundamental commitment in their pledges to the people. Thinakkural reports that members of civil society organisations expressed shock regarding the release of the suspects in relation to the murder investigation, noting that the Young Journalists’ Association (YJA) will be staging a protest today (6th) in front of the AG’s Department demanding transparency in the decision-making process and accountability for those involved in Wickrematunge’s murder.
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Common priorities: Additional stories
1. “Supreme Court verdict on LG elections not received yet” – Speaker – Dinamina, Divaina, Virakesari, Thinakkural
2. Former minister C.B. Rathnayake to pay a compensation of Rs. 250 million to SJB MP Sujeewa Senasinghe for defamation – Ada, Dinamina, Divaina, Lankadeepa, Mawbima, Virakesari
3. Namal summoned to court on the 18th over Krrish deal – Ada, Dinamina, Divaina, Lankadeepa, Virakesari
4. “Whether an MP or a minister, the law is the same for everyone” – Speaker issues a stern warning to MP Archchuna, in parliament – Ada, Divaina, Lankadeepa, Virakesari, Thamilan
5. The government will bring new amendments to the Online Safety Act – AG informs – Ada, Divaina, Thinakaran
6. “MPs will not be given vehicle permits” – Cabinet Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa – Ada, Thinakaran, Thamilan
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