DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: “Many panicking only after travel ban was imposed on Gotabaya; the truth will emerge in a few months; they are fighting to stop the investigations with Sallay; we will repeal the PTA” – Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara announces | Sarana Gunawardena sentenced to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment; High Court orders him to pay a fine of 1.8 million rupees Thinakaran: Guilt proven in corruption cases; Sarana Gunawardena sentenced to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment | “There are no conditions in the salary agreement for picking additional tea leaves; if companies pressure workers, the law will be enforced against them” – Minister Samantha Vidyaratne | Emergency law extended in parliament by a majority of 128 votes |
Thinakkural: “Tamils are not under the country’s national flag; Tamil and Sinhalese people stand divided! This government is committing every act of state terrorism” – MP Shritharan expresses severe outrage | “Praising Prabhakaran is not an act of terrorism, it is merely an opinion” – MP Gajendrakumar Thamilan: Corruption at Development Lotteries Board: 16 years imprisonment for Sarana Gunawardena! High Court orders payment of Rs. 1.8 million for litigation costs | “Repeal the PTA without delay” – Amnesty International | “We will not allow the promotion of the Tigers” – says Ananda Wijepala |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: Misuse of vehicles: (former) Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena sentenced to 16 years in prison; “Such corruption in state institutions is a reason for the bankruptcy of the economy” – High Court Judge Divaina: Sarana sentenced to 72 years in prison to be served concurrently in 16 years: found guilty of 18 charges across four cases: a fine of Rs. 1.8 million | “Smuggling dollars under the guise of importing goods: the NDB money was also allegedly funnelled out the same way; 26,260 such instances have been exposed; 227 accounts across 13 banks used; 105 local companies involved in the operation” – Minister Ananda Wijepala states in parliament
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Dinamina: Sarana imprisoned for 16 years with rigorous labour: guilty of four corruption cases; a prison sentence of four years for each case; 72-year prison sentence to be completed concurrently in 16 years; to pay fine of Rs. 1.8 million; another nine years in prison if the fine is not paid Aruna: Four years each for four cases: 16-year prison sentence for Sarana – Ordered by the Colombo High Court Judge |