24 February 2025 | Vol. 11, #32

DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS

Virakesari: “There is no threat to national security; measures to be taken to control underworld groups completely” – The president announces | Photograph: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visits Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayaka Thera

Thinakaran: “There is no threat to national security; no room for underworld groups that throve under political protection; the funds for the LG election are ready and the [Election] Commission to decide the date” – The president [informs] in Kandy | Pope Francis in critical condition | Two bills including the one on VAT, gazetted 

Thinakkural: “Are the shooting incidents linked to the underworld? Is there any conspiracy behind the scenes? Investigations launched; there is no threat to national security” – President Anura | The funeral of the founder of the Thinakkural newspaper, Selliah Ponnuchamy

Thamilan: “There is no threat to national security; the election to be conducted soon” – The president assures in Kandy

Lankadeepa: The police commission and acting IGP in a cold war over OIC transfers; acting IGP’s letter rejected: “I’ve been reduced to a name only; they are unqualified, procedures must be followed” – The acting IGP

Divaina: “The National Police Commission is at fault, leading to a loss of control over the police force; ‘godfathers’ abroad control 58 organised crime groups and 1,400 members within the country; one million [rupees] will be offered for information on a T-56 firearm, as it is the public’s duty to report it; 170 substance users have been identified in the police and the army, with 40 being dismissed from the police” – The acting IGP

Ada: Who aided Sanjeewa’s murder? Suspicion falls on several police, court and prison personnel; secrets revealed from WhatsApp conversations between the killer and Commando Salintha, who is currently abroad, before and after the murder

Mawbima: Ganemulle Sanjeewa’s murder: Alleged internal support? Statements recorded from 30 individuals, including court, prison and STF personnel; eight arrested in Ganemulla and Gampaha, including three youths; a request made to question the magistrate | Sacred Tooth Relic exposition to be held after 16 years as the chief prelates approve the president’s request

Dinamina: “176 Ministry of Finance vehicles missing; 99 unaccounted for” – the 2023 audit report reveals

Aruna: Shampoo-soap lorry worth Rs. 10 million stolen; the owner named as the main suspect

Anidda: This paper is published on Fridays only