DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS
Tamil Headlines
Sinhala Headlines
Ada: Rs. 2,355,882,248 has been spent within three years on elephant fences; no progress in the expected reduction of collisions between humans and elephants; 330 elephant deaths reported in 2024; 60% of the deaths have been due to shooting, electrocution and hakka patas (a small explosive device that detonates when an animal bites into it)
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TAMIL PRESS PRIORITIES
“What is the resolution plan for the Tamil people?” – MP Shritharan questions Tilvin’s statement about abolishing the 13th Amendment
Virakesari
ITAK MP S. Shritharan stated that the Tamil people will not support the president in the upcoming elections if the 13th Amendment which established the provincial council system, is abolished. He criticised the government’s lack of clarity on the 13th Amendment’s role in the devolution of power, noting that past promises to resolve the issue through a new constitution have not been fulfilled. Shritharan called for a clear commitment to the devolution of power and questioned the push to abolish the provincial council system. He also highlighted the government’s stance on the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and added that he plans to meet the president and the prime minister to discuss the Constitution.
“The provincial council system is coming to an end; steps will be taken after the new constitution [is passed]” – Tilvin
Thinakaran
JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva announced that the NPP government is planning to abolish the provincial council system established by the 13th Amendment and ensure equal rights for all ethnic groups through a new constitution. He criticised the 13th Amendment for failing to benefit the Tamil people or the country and for fostering conflicts. Silva also pointed out that the agreement that introduced the 13th Amendment was signed without public approval or cabinet consent. The government aims to draft a new constitution that addresses the aspirations of the Tamil people and guarantees equal rights to all communities.
Abolishing the provincial council system: Former Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran warns that the 13th Amendment cannot be repealed without India’s approval
Thinakkural
Former Chief Minister of the Northern Province C.V. Wigneswaran warned that repealing the 13th Amendment, which was introduced with India’s support, would harm the rights and the identity of the Tamil people, particularly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. He criticised the JVP’s call for repealing the amendment, arguing it would further limit Tamil autonomy. Wigneswaran emphasised the need to hold discussions with India on any new laws to replace the 13th Amendment, as acting without their support could lead to further problems. He suggested that a federal system would be a more suitable solution for the Tamil people.
“What is the resolution plan for the Tamil people?” – MP Shritharan questions Tilvin’s statement about abolishing the 13th Amendment
Thamilan
All the party leaders have agreed to cancel the nomination papers filed in 2022 for the local government election and to submit new ones. The decision was made during a meeting held in parliament on November 25, attended by key figures such as Leader of the House of Parliament Bimal Rathnayake, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa, ITAK MP S. Shritharan, Speaker Asoka Ranwala and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. Accordingly, a special resolution to cancel the 2022 nomination papers is to be put forward in parliament. It was also noted that using the 2022 voter list for the election could cause significant injustice to around 400,000 registered voters.
SINHALA PRESS PRIORITIES
10 in Laggala apprehended over a robbery of gems and cash worth over Rs. 65 million
Divaina, Mawbima, Dinamina, Aruna
10 suspects including a monk have been arrested in connection with stealing over Rs. 65 million worth of cash and gold jewellery from the house of a gem businessperson in the Devaladeniya area in Laggala on November 30. The group had tied the hands and feet of the businessperson, his spouse and his father by threatening them with a firearm, after which they had fled the area using the businessperson’s car. Investigations launched by the Laggala Police resulted in the arrest of the suspects from the Mawathagama and Polpithigama areas. The police has retrieved over Rs. 10 million in cash, seven sovereigns of gold, two toy pistols, one knife and the van used to carry out the robbery, which were in the suspects’ possession. Reports also state that the plans to carry out the robbery had been made in a temple and that the best part of a gem that is worth Rs. 30 million is still missing.
“Complaints have increased of financial frauds being carried out over social media platforms” – The SLCERT
Lankadeepa, Ada, Dinamina
The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) stated that there has been a surge in the hacking of WhatsApp accounts in Sri Lanka during the past couple of months, with scammers manipulating verification codes to gain access to accounts and defraud contacts. The SLCERT further stated that the alarming trend has led to numerous occasions of financial fraud and identity theft. Accordingly, the SLCERT has warned the public to be careful of financial frauds being carried out targeting social media platforms.
“The best solution for the rebuilding of the country is the tourism industry” – Premadasa
Mawbima
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that the best way to rebuild the country is through improving the tourism industry. He added that, although the tourism industry is a very promising area for the development of the country, it has many challenges of its own that need to be overcome. Premadasa made the statement while attending the opening ceremony of the Amari Colombo Hotel held on November 30.
One billion allocated to pay compensation to farmers
Dinamina
The government has allocated one billion rupees to pay compensation to the farmers for the crop damage caused by floods and bad weather conditions. Chairperson of the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board (AAIB) Premasiri Jasinghe Arachchi stated that the compensation for crop damages will be distributed from today (2nd) onwards, starting from the Manampitiya area of the Polonnaruwa District.
COMMON PRIORITIES: SINHALA & TAMIL PRESS
Four who promoted LTTE Maha Viru commemorations captured: Three remanded
Lankadeepa, Divaina, Ada, Dinamina, Aruna, Thinakaran, Thinakkural, Thamilan
The CID and the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) have arrested a group of individuals for allegedly sharing content on social media related to the banned LTTE organisation, linked to previous Maaveerar Naal (Maha Viru/Great Heroes’ Day) commemorations. While some newspapers report that four people were arrested, others report the number to be three. According to police reports, the suspects shared photographs and videos featuring LTTE Leader Velupillai Prabhakaran on Facebook. They are also accused of circulating old footage from previous LTTE Maaveerar Naal celebrations as if it were from this year’s events. The Tamil press also reports that an investigation has been initiated by the CID into the 70th birthday celebration of LTTE Leader Prabhakaran, involving former MP M.K. Shivajilingam.
“I am happy that the new government is working in accordance with the IMF [programme]” – Ranil Wickremesinghe
ADivaina, Mawbima, Aruna, Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thamilan
Speaking at the at the opening ceremony of the Amari Colombo Hotel held on November 30, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe praised newly appointed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for working in accordance with the IMF programme. Wickremesinghe added that he is happy that the current government and the president agreed to work in accordance with the programme as Sri Lanka cannot revive its economy without it.
Common priorities: Additional stories
1. Photograph: The national event to mark World AIDS Day was held under the patronage of the prime minister and the minister of health – Divaina, Ada, Mawbima, Dinamina, Virakesari, Thinakaran
2. [An individual] who fled to Britain and pumped money for terrorist organisations in Sri Lanka, captured at Katunayake after returning without knowing of the ban imposed on him – Divaina, Ada, Dinamina, Thinakkural, Thamilan
3. Fuel prices revised – Lankadeepa, Divaina, Ada, Thamilan
4. “The [bill for the] abolition of MPs’ pensions to be passed soon” – Wasantha Samarasinghe – Divaina, Aruna, Thinakaran, Thinakkural