Major stories in the Sinhala and Tamil press: Feb.24 – Mar.2

Signposts the differences and nuances in reporting between Sinhala and Tamil language newspapers.

Over the past week, the Sinhala and Tamil press converged in relation to five main stories. The five stories were on the: (i) assessment of the NPP government on various issues including electricity disruption; (ii) alleged rise in organised crime in the country; (iii) Appropriation Bill 2025; (iv) plans to hold the local government elections; and (v) enactment of a new constitution. There was one main story featured exclusively in the Sinhala press. It was on the lifting of import restrictions on motor vehicles. The Tamil press exclusively featured two main stories, and they were on the: (i) discussion to form a coalition among Tamil political parties in the Northern and Eastern Provinces ahead of the local government elections and (ii) grievances faced by the Hill Country Tamils and their demand for solutions.