DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS |
Tamil Headlines
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Virakesari: Is it a planned conspiracy to shut down the prison? Investigation across four fronts: One more inmate dies: Magistrate visits the site Thinakaran: “Underworld and drug factions clashed in prison; prison attack aimed at destroying evidence; first attack was on the informant who tipped off the government; full investigations underway” – Harshana | “Negombo Prison incidents are a conspiracy to disrupt the government’s actions against corrupt individuals” – Bimal |
Thinakkural: “Since the government had multiple opportunities, the second day of attacks could have been easily prevented; 27 lives could have also been saved, lives lost due to government negligence” – MP Ajith Perera | The mastermind behind the attack is sent to the Boossa Prison! | Warning of an impending clash received three days prior! – SJB MP Rajakaruna Thamilan: “The Negombo attack was planned!” – Justice Minister Harshana informs parliament | Shots were fired to ensure security; Commissioner General of Prisons states that prisoners crossed the line |
Sinhala Headlines
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Lankadeepa: Damage Rs. 120 million: Negombo Prison emptied; another 500 inmates to the closed Mahamodara Hospital? Divaina: Total death toll now 27: all seven assassinated officers are prison police personnel; Iron bars, stones, and sharp weapons held in possession beforehand; inmates orchestrated the clash according to a plan; investigations to CID; preparations underway to question all inmates; inmates harboured intense hatred due to being searched
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Dinamina: Negombo Prison clash: “The incident will not be underestimated: a full investigation is being conducted” – Minister of Justice explains facts; a clash between drug traffickers and the underworld; officers brutally assaulted; Prison congestion to be minimised Aruna: Investigations into the Negombo clash handed over to CID | “This is a clash between drug traffickers and the underworld” – Minister of Justice | Officers were unable to contact the Minister on the day of the clash – The Opposition | “Losses minimised due to being prepared based on intelligence information” – Acting Commissioner General of Prisons | Lives of inmates inside are at grave risk – Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners | Investigation launched by the Human Rights Commission | “The Justice Minister and Deputy Minister resigned over the 1988 prison incident” – Neranjan Wijerathna | Investigations underway to find how inmates obtained firearms | White flags flutter at Welikada Prison |