18 September 2025 | Vol. 11, #166

DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS

Virakesari: “I will eradicate the ‘underworld’s dark kingdom”’ – President Anura’s firm stance; also instructs certain government officials to correct their old habits | India continues to urge holding of provincial council elections | “It is essential for Sri Lanka’s accountability program to continue” – Human Rights Watch emphasises

Thinakaran: “A special turning point in 2025 economically, socially, politically, and legally” – President

Thinakkural: “The country has suffered due to armed criminal gangs; they have created an underworld kingdom! We will definitely destroy this and bring it to an end,” says President Anura | Are the army’s weapons in the hands of underworld gangs? Inventory conducted in military camps | New EU regulations pose a fresh challenge to Sri Lanka after 2027

Thamilan: “When will the provincial elections be held?” – New Delhi questions Colombo | Abolition of MPs’ pension; Bill to Parliament next week | Electricity Board’s Colombo office surrounded; employees protest 

Lankadeepa: “Weapons from the army, guard by the police and fraudulent passports: ministers who brought home underworld figures have taken money from them” – President states while commencing work on the Kadawatha-Mirigama highway

Divaina: Sampath Manamperi, who surrendered to the Walasmulla court, to be kept in narcotic detention for seven days | “They are following the ‘work-to-rule’ campaign and going on sick leave. Work cannot continue in this manner; adapt to the new political system or leave” – President

Mawbima: “Those who cannot adapt to the new political system will be sent away” – A red light from the president to state workers | Ban on UNP members that aligned themselves with the SJB, lifted

Dinamina: “The underground black state will be ended: the list of politicians who made deals with the underworld is revealed” – President | “Was it a crime to change the law that was brought forth by the previous government to sell the CEB?” – President in Kolonnawa 

Aruna: Cases to be filed against companies that dump garbage on the coast: companies given initial warnings

Anidda: This paper is published on Fridays only