9 February 2026 | Vol. 12, #24

DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS

Virakesari: “New Anti-Terrorism Bill is to prevent public uprising”; Sumanthiran expresses deep dissatisfaction with government’s actions | “Voice of Tamil parties insufficient regarding provincial council elections; they are also responsible for the delay” – Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe’s frustration | 3 killed in accident

Thinakaran: Interpol may release traces of Sara Jasmine; some fear truths will be revealed | Large crowds visit to venerate the sacred Buddha relics | “An economy suitable for the new world will be created; those who have nothing left to talk about are trying to incite racism” – The President

Thinakkural: “The Kivul Oya project, which will destroy 5,000 acres of ancient forest, is a massive conspiracy; Our party will certainly provide full support to the Tamil side’s protest” – Rishad Bathiudeen states | Sri TELO Leader Uthayarasa arrested; 7 days in detention

Thamilan: Investigation against the Speaker! Action taken by the CIABOC | Postal rates increased from today 

Lankadeepa: Eight allegations of corruption; Bribery Commission set to investigate Speaker | Contempt of court: lawyer jailed for three years, disbarred by Supreme Court 

Divaina: Were the rocket launchers discovered in the Thoppigala (Baron’s Cap) forest hidden for a planned attack? No other weapons were found, despite searches by three STF teams, all three launchers in active condition  

Mawbima: Mother and daughter killed by a broken electric cable caused by Ditwah; CEB yet to repair it despite being informed | Bribery Commission begins investigation into the Speaker

Dinamina: UN allocates Rs. 6,720 million in compensation for those affected by Ditwah; Relief assistance already provided to 216,000 people across 25 districts

Aruna: Overtime pay cut triggers crisis at National Institute of Education; all classes, exams and workshops postponed

Anidda: This paper is published only on Fridays

TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES

“Voice of Tamil parties insufficient regarding provincial council elections; they are also responsible for the delay” – Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe’s frustration

Virakesari

Former Minister and SLFP member Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe stated that the creation of a new constitution under the current National People’s Power (NPP) government is merely a dream.

He pointed out that although over a year has passed since the government took office, no preliminary steps or resolutions regarding a new constitution or the executive presidency have been presented.

Rajapakshe further urged the government to immediately conduct provincial council elections, suggesting that the delay is due to the government’s fear of declining public support.

He also criticised Tamil nationalist parties, claiming they are partly responsible for the delay because they supported the 2017 change in the electoral system.

“New Anti-Terrorism Bill is to prevent public uprising”; Sumanthiran expresses deep dissatisfaction with government’s actions

Virakesari

General Secretary of the ITAK M.A. Sumanthiran claimed that the government’s proposed ‘Law to Protect the State from Terrorism’ contains more draconian provisions than the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) of 1979.

He noted that while the National People’s Power (NPP) promised to repeal the PTA in its manifesto, this new draft appears designed to prevent future public uprisings similar to the one that ousted former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara has called for public observations on the draft to be submitted before the 28th of this month.

Sumanthiran expressed suspicion that proposing an even more repressive law might be a tactic to keep the original PTA in force by eventually withdrawing the new draft in response to widespread protests.

“Military camps are essential for the security of Tamils” – Shantha Bandara

Thinakaran

Former SLPP MP Shantha Bandara stated that the presence of army camps in the North and East is essential to ensure the safety of the Tamil people living there.

He expressed concern that the dignity of independence is being undermined, noting that the official Independence Day message failed to acknowledge the heroic deeds of the security forces.

Bandara questioned why no action was taken against those who raised black flags on Independence Day, while the emergency law remains in effect in the country.

He further warned that while some army camps have already been removed, removing the remaining ones would lead to demands for the removal of police stations as well.

Salary received for party funds must be returned; Former JVP MPs consulting on legal action

Thamilan

A group of former JVP MPs are taking legal action against party leaders to reclaim millions of rupees in salaries that were credited to the party fund during their tenure.

The former members, who served as MPs and provincial council members, allege that the practice of redirecting their entire salaries to the party was illegal.

Premasiri Manage, the secretary of the Forum of Retired Parliamentarians and a former JVP MP, asserted that they will continue to fight for the return of these funds.

Manage further claimed that it is unjust to cancel his pension after millions of rupees from his salary were unlawfully taken by the party.

A team of the president’s counsel is reportedly supporting the group in their legal efforts.

SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES

Abolition of CEB: date to be announced before 27th

Aruna

Head of the CEB Transformation Task Force, Pubudu Niroshan Hadigallage, stated that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is set to be officially dissolved, with the date expected to be announced between February 20 and 27.

He added that once the National Electricity Policy is finalised and Cabinet approval is granted, the abolition date will be gazetted.

All six companies created from the CEB have now been registered, with their boards of directors in place.

“They cannot ban seine fishing arbitrarily” – Premadasa

Mawbima

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa warned against banning the seine fishing industry without providing alternative livelihoods.

He said such a move would reflect a lack of understanding of the sector, noting that the government and most fisheries policymakers are unaware of the variety of fishing methods, including seine fishing ports, one-day and multi-day fishing cruises.

Premadasa added that banning the industry without proper regulations would be a mistake.

COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS