Major stories in the Sinhala and Tamil press: July 6 – July 12

Highlights the differences and nuances in reporting between Sinhala and Tamil newspapers

Over the past week, the Sinhala and Tamil press converged in relation to six main stories. The six stories were on the: (i) violence at the Negombo prison; (ii) current economic situation in the country; (iii) enforcement of the law against past politicians and officials; (iv) escalation of the dengue epidemic; (v) proposals to extend the retirement age of judges; and (vi) re-escalation of the US-Israel and Iran war.

The Sinhala press exclusively featured one main story and it was on the farmer protests against the government demanding better prices for paddy.

The Tamil press exclusively featured five main stories, and they were on the: (i) excavation of over 412 skeletal remains at the Chemmani mass grave site; (ii) ongoing protests  in Valikamam North, Jaffna, and Keppapilavu, Mullaitivu, demanding the release of privateley-owned lands; (iii) demands for accountability and justice concerning past atrocities, including enforced disappearances; (iv) problems faced by the Hill Country Tamil community and the increase in wages of plantation workers; and (v) removal of the mayor of Vavuniya and the deputy chairperson of the Chavakachcheri Urban Council from their office.