26 February 2025 | Vol. 11, #34

DIFFERENT PRIORITIES IN THE SINHALA AND TAMIL PRESS

Virakesari: “A Truth [and Reconciliation] Commission will be established to investigate violations” – Herath addresses the UNHRC | Photograph: Minister Vijitha Herath meets United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk

Thinakaran: “Indian fisherfolk’s encroachment can only be stopped if the Tamil Nadu government puts its mind to it” – Minister Chandrasekar strongly tells the deputy high commissioner of India to Sri Lanka | The second reading of the budget was passed in parliament with a majority of 109 votes; 155 in favour; 46 against; Selvam Adaikkalanathan votes in favour; 23 including Archuna did not participate in the voting

Thinakkural: The president engages in a special discussion on the security situation with army commanders | Information revealed in parliament regarding the massacres that took place during 1989 riots | “Is there a burial pit for Namal in [his place]?” – MP D.V. Chanaka [gets] angry

Thamilan: “A new law to be brought for national security; a special committee appointed by the president” – Cabinet Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa | “May Maha Shivaratri guide to a meaningful life” – President | “Tax imposition might increase!” – [Cabinet spokesperson]

Lankadeepa: Namal [Rajapaksa] to the CID today over a SriLankan Airlines deal | “Sanjeewa will be hit at the courts” – Fake lawyer and mastermind Sewwandi tells her brother in a message via messenger; retaining orders for the mother and the brother; clothes have been bought using the mother’s account; both the mother and the brother had been aware of the murder; her boyfriend has been remanded

Divaina: “It is illegal that the magistrate is not granting bail” – Lawyers of both parties state; High Court grants bail to Ven. Gnanasara Thera

Ada: Information regarding the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa also found on Ishara’s brother’s phone; information regarding a failed assassination attempt on February 14; Rs. 100,000 credited to Ishara’s brother’s account; information about the plan of the murder on February 19; message sent after completion; Sewwandi has used her mother’s bank account and card for the crimes; Ishara’s mother and brother arrested, detained and questioned; 10 including two constables arrested; Sanjeewa was brought on an order from court number nine; Rs. 1 million awarded for any information on Ishara; a woman who looks like Ishara, arrested; “The suspect is in the country” – Police media spokesperson

Mawbima: Eight, including the shooter who murdered a youth who was made to kneel down at the Uswetakeiyawa beach, caught; caught in Negombo; a woman also among the arrested | Mother and brother of the second suspect detained and questioned; sister had sent messages on the murder of Sanjeewa to the brother

Dinamina: Second reading of the budget passed in parliament with a majority of 109 votes; 155 for, 46 against; vote on third reading to be held on March 21

Aruna: The suspect, before killing Sanjeewa, had deposited Rs. 20,000 into her mother’s account; sent
message to brother stating “The task is done”

Anidda: This paper is published on Fridays only