DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: 26 killed, including prison guards in Negombo prison riot; over 100 injured; fresh clashes erupt among inmates during breakfast distribution; 700 prisoners urgently transferred to other prisons; STF and military deployed to bring the situation under control; relatives of inmates gather at prison gates Thinakaran: Clashes at Negombo prison continued yesterday; 26 killed, including officials; over a hundred injured; police, army, and STF deployed on the ground; Minister of Justice inspects the situation personally |
Thinakkural: Negombo prison turns into a bloodbath; 26 dead; 100 injured; seven prison officials also killed; 13 in critical condition; situation under military control | Prisoners fire gunshots at helicopter and drone | “The main associate of Kehelbaddara Padme is the mastermind!” – Security forces say Thamilan: Negombo prison turns into a bloodbath! 26 killed, including officials; over 100 injured |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: 26 in total killed in prison riot: seven officers and 19 inmates: 100 hospitalised; police and STF along with army and air force to control the situation; relatives of inmates panic seeking information; although the armoury was broken into, no weapons were found; telephones of prison officials snatched Divaina: The extent of a clash between two gangs: Negombo prison turns into a battlefield; 26 killed including seven officers; 100 injured; officers who went to serve breakfast stripped naked and assaulted; assault carried out after breaking iron bars from the physical exercise unit; firearms and mobile phones also snatched; 14 individuals including four STF personnel who sustained serious injuries admitted to Colombo National Hospital; all inmates transferred to other prisons; inmates behaved erratically after consuming prison medication; all property inside the prison destroyed
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Dinamina: Negombo calm after 24 hours: cabinet approval for committee to investigate prison clash; 26 deaths; 100 injured; seven officers also among the deceased; inmates transferred to other prisons; investigations to CCD | “The government must accept the responsibility” – Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa | “Responsibility accepted” – Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara Aruna: Negombo prison clash: capacity for only 900 but 2,400 detained: roof collapses with female inmates on top of it; officers assaulted with iron pipes; inmates to Pallansena and Dumbara; 27 killed, seven officers; 100 hospitalised; instigator of the clash a henchperson of Padme | “The government must accept responsibility for the clash” – Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa | “I accept responsibility” – Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara |