Major stories in the Sinhala and Tamil press: Mar.31 – Apr.6

Signposts the differences and nuances in reporting between Sinhala and Tamil language newspapers.

Over the past week the Sinhala and Tamil press converged in relation to five main stories. The five stories were on the: (i) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Sri Lanka; (ii) imposition of a reciprocal tariff of 44 percent on Sri Lanka by the U.S.; (iii) preparations for the local government elections; (iv) 2025 Budget; and (v) earthquake in Myanmar. There were two stories featured exclusively in the Sinhala press. They were on the: (i) arrest of former MPs and ministers on charges of corruption and fraud and (ii) reported rise in organised crime. The Tamil press exclusively featured three main stories, and they were on the: (i) sanctions imposed by the UK on four Sri Lankans, including former military officers; (ii) delays in implementing the electoral promises of the NPP, including the drafting of a new constitution and the repealing of the PTA; and (iii) demanding of justice for past atrocities faced by the minority communities.