US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (Mar 24) the US was making progress in its efforts to negotiate an end to war with Iran, including winning an important concession from Tehran, while a source confirmed that Washington had sent Iran a 15-point settlement proposal. Trump told reporters at the White House the US was talking to “the right people” in Iran in order to reach a deal to end hostilities, adding the Iranians wanted to reach a deal very badly. “We’re in negotiations right now,” he said. Tehran has denied that direct talks have taken place. Iran’s powerful parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, on Monday dismissed the reports as “fake news”. The New York Times reported on Tuesday that Washington sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the war in the Middle East. Israel’s Channel 12, quoting three sources, said the US was seeking a month-long ceasefire to discuss the 15-point plan. A source familiar with the matter confirmed that the US had sent a plan to Iran but provided no further details. The Israeli media outlet said the plan would include the dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program, ceasing support for proxy groups, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Republican president told reporters at the White House that Iran had made a valuable concession related to non-nuclear energy and the Strait of Hormuz, although he did not elaborate. Iran has told the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organization that “non-hostile vessels” may transit the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Iranian authorities, according to a note seen by Reuters on Tuesday. Iran has effectively shut the waterway, where 20 per cent of the world’s oil normally transits, since the US and Israel launched attacks four weeks ago, creating the worst energy supply shock in history and sending fuel prices soaring. “It was a very big present, worth a tremendous amount of money,” Trump said in his comments on Iran, adding: “It was a very nice thing they did.” But US, Israeli and Iranian strikes continued and sources said Washington was preparing to send more troops to the region. Two people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday that the US was expected to send thousands of soldiers from the Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East. The forces will add to the 50,000 US troops already in the region and accelerate Washington’s massive US military buildup there, fuelling fears of a longer conflict. Pakistan’s prime minister said on Tuesday that he was willing to host talks between the US and Iran on ending the war, a day after Trump postponed threats to bomb Iranian power plants, saying there had been “productive” talks. In a post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan fully supported ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue and was ready to host “meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement”. A Pakistani government source said discussions on a meeting were at an advanced stage and if it did happen, “a big ‘if’”, it would take place within a week. Pakistan has long-standing ties to neighbouring Iran’s Islamic Republic and has been building a relationship with Trump. The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Feb 28 after saying they had failed to make enough headway in talks aimed at ending Iran’s nuclear program, although mediator Oman said significant progress had been made. Source: Reuters

Donald Trump sets 15-point plan to end Iran war

The Sri Lanka Tea Board reports a surge in demand for Ceylon Tea from Middle Eastern countries amid ongoing regional tensions. Chairman Raj Obeyesekere said increased stockpiling of food in the region has driven demand, while prices have stabilized after an initial dip. The average auction price last week stood at Rs. 1,153 per kilogram, with unsold volumes remaining within normal levels. Exports to countries such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iran have faced disruptions due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp; However, shipments have resumed to markets like Turkey and Iraq through alternative routes.Officials say the overall impact on Sri Lanka’s tea industry is gradually easing, supported by measures to ensure fertilizer distribution and uninterrupted fuel supply for factories.

Middle East tensions trigger surge in demand for Sri Lankan Tea

Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody has urged the public to limit electricity usage between 6.00 p.m. and 10.00 p.m. amid the ongoing energy crisis. He assured that no decision has been taken to impose power cuts, noting that sufficient fuel is available to meet electricity demand until May. However, he emphasised that electricity generated at night relies on fuel, making conservation during peak hours essential. Speaking at a district meeting, the Minister encouraged citizens to reduce unnecessary usage, even by switching off extra lights, to ease the burden on the system. The Director of the National System Control Center, Buddhika Samarakesara stated that uninterrupted power supply can be maintained until the end of April.

Public urged to reduce power use at night

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 pm. Mainly dry weather will prevail over the other parts of the island. Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the early hours of the morning.

Showers expected in several areas

<ul><li>Minister says price hike outside formula</li><li>CPC insists it was followed</li></ul>Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) yesterday (24) issued conflicting statements on whether the latest fuel price revision was based on the fuel pricing formula.Responding to questions at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, Dr. Jayatissa stated the recent price increase was not determined using the pricing formula, citing the unprecedented surge in global oil prices.He said the formula is designed to accommodate minor fluctuations in the international market, not extreme shocks such as the current spike.“When the price of a barrel of crude oil, which was around US $ 70 to 78, increases to $ 130, that cannot be adjusted using the pricing formula,” he said. “If there is a change of about $ 4 or $ 5, it can be managed. But this situation cannot be handled by the formula.”He stressed that the current volatility in global oil markets had rendered the formula ineffective, making it impossible to apply under prevailing conditions.However, speaking at a separate media briefing, CPC Managing Director Mayura Neththikumarage contradicted the Minister’s position, maintaining that the price revision had in fact been calculated in line with the pricing formula.“The Minister must have meant the Government has taken over some portion of the cost,” he said, referring to the fuel subsidy currently in place. “But the fuel prices were increased according to the pricing formula. There is nothing unusual about it.”He explained that fuel pricing is determined based on import costs and associated expenses, with the Government making the final decision after reviewing the CPC’s calculations.“There is a quantity of oil imported and there are costs involved. Considering these factors, pricing is done accordingly. There is no alternative method,” he said.Neththikumarage added the Government’s decision to absorb part of the cost, including Rs. 100 per litre of diesel and Rs. 20 per litre of petrol, may have led to confusion over whether the formula had been applied.“What the Minister may have meant is that once the Government takes over part of the cost, the final price may not appear to reflect the formula. But the calculations are still done based on it,” he said.Amid concerns over supply disruptions, he also sought to reassure the public that fuel stocks remain adequate.“There is no issue with fuel stocks. Supplies have been secured,” he said. “We missed only one crude oil shipment this month. Since then, tenders have been reopened for diesel, petrol, furnace oil, and aviation fuel. Stocks are secured until mid-May.”The conflicting statements come at a time of heightened public concern over rising fuel prices and their wider impact on the cost of living, with questions now emerging over transparency and consistency in the Government’s pricing policy.&nbsp;

Fuel pricing formula: Govt, CPC at odds

Opposition parties have written to international professional organisations to alert the latter with regard to the alleged grave situation of threats to the life and safety of professionals in Sri Lanka, specifically relating to the security of lawyers and the public.&nbsp;The letter signed by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and former President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and addressed to the International Bar Association, the Commonwealth Lawyers' Association, the International Commission of Jurists, the International Association of Young Lawyers, the International Association of Democratic Lawyers, Amnesty International, Human Rights (HR) Watch, the International Federation for HR, the World Organisation against Torture, Frontline Defenders, the Office of the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for HR, and the UN Special Rapporteur on HR Defenders, urges the latter to make suitable interventions to help preserve a culture held sacrosanct.The letter drew attention to a series of alarming events which have taken place in Sri Lanka in the recent past. “There is now a recurring pattern of shootings and killings, with the use of sophisticated firearms, with more than 60 lives lost last year (2025) and nine this year. An incident which occurred in broad daylight on 13 February, in the immediate vicinity of a high-security zone, claimed the lives of attorney-at-law Buddhika Mallawarachchi and his wife.&nbsp;“Within an hour of this killing, there were statements attributed to the Police that the victim of the murder had appeared professionally for a criminal well known for drug trafficking, and that the motive for the killing arose from criminal activity on the part of his clients. In the absence of any investigation at that point, this was a reckless and irresponsible intervention, calculated to distort the issue, and to diminish the gravity of this despicable atrocity. It is disheartening that there is now, to a significant extent, the erosion of an environment conducive to the proper functioning of the courts system. Prevailing conditions no longer allow the bench and the bar to fulfil their duties with robust independence, bereft of fear and favour. This poses a basic challenge to the right of any accused person to be represented by counsel.&nbsp;“There is clear evidence of pressure being brought to bear on the Attorney-General, which has the effect of politicising the exercise of the prosecutorial function, with consequent detriment to the perceived fairness of the criminal justice process. Due process, natural justice and established traditions are being violated by vicious political attacks. Rising public discontent across the spectrum is sought to be suppressed by the provisions of a proposed anti-terrorism law which, in its present form, strikes at the very root of democratic institutions and values, and demonstrably infringes core obligations undertaken by Sri Lanka in international instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.&nbsp;“Directly targeted are media institutions with obvious vulnerability for owners, editors, executive staff, and media personnel at all levels. The extreme politicisation of the Police force, under the leadership of an Inspector-General of Police who has jettisoned even the appearance of detachment and objectivity, militates seriously against professionalism and impartiality in respect of criminal investigations, including the inquiry into the recent killing of a member of the legal profession.&nbsp;“The Government is clearly in breach of its duty to take administrative and, if necessary, legislative measures to give effect to Article 9(4) of the Luxembourg Convention for the protection of lawyers. These salient features of a vibrant democracy are today under sustained and formidable challenge. The Public Security Minister, Ananda Wijepala has failed dismally in his duty to secure the safety of citizens and to forestall the increasingly manifest deterioration of law and order,” the letter further read.The other signatories include Patali Champika Ranawaka, Namal Rajapaksa, Jeevan Thondaman, Prof. G.L. Peiris, Mano Ganesan, Premnath C. Dolawatte, Sugeeshwara Bandara, Prasanna Ranatunga, Dilith Jayaweera, Anuradha Jayaratne, Ravi Karunanayake, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Jayantha Wijesinghe, Asanka Navarathna, and Senal Welgama.

Threats to law and order: Opposition writes to Int’l watchdogs 

Bus fares could be revised once again under the national bus fare policy scheduled to be implemented in July, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held yesterday (24) at the Department of Government Information, Dr. Jayatissa said that any future revision would depend on developments linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East (ME).Responding to a query on whether fares could be increased again, he noted that certain decisions may have to be taken depending on how the situation evolves, and that such decisions would be made at the appropriate time.However, he stressed that the Government’s priority is to provide relief to the public. He said that if fuel prices decline, the benefit would be passed on to commuters, with the possibility of reducing the recently increased bus fares.“I don’t think such a need will arise. At the moment, there is a war in the ME, and due to that, fuel prices had to be increased. Future decisions will depend on how the situation unfolds. If the war escalates and supply chains collapse, such decisions may become necessary,” he said.He added that the Government is working to ensure maximum relief to the public and that any easing in fuel prices would allow for a reassessment of bus fares.

National bus fare policy: Bus fares revision in July?

The Families of the Disappeared organisation is set to submit a report compiled from its recent women’s conference to the relevant authorities, while calling for the establishment of an accountability mechanism to strengthen the search for missing and disappeared persons in Sri Lanka.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (24), Families of Missing Persons President Brito Fernando said that the report will be handed over at several locations in Colombo tomorrow (26) and on 27 March.He noted that the report primarily contains complaints raised by women from the South and highlights concerns over the lack of accountability in ongoing efforts to trace missing persons.“While handing over the report, we are also requesting a mechanism for accountability regarding the search for the truth of those who have gone missing,” Fernando said.Meanwhile, responding to the concerns, Office on Missing Persons (OMP) Chairperson Mahesh Katulanda said that the country already has systems in place to ensure transparency in its operations and that investigations into missing persons are ongoing.“We are meeting families who have lodged complaints, one by one, and have appointed 25 teams for this process. These teams include senior citizens, lawyers, activists and representatives from various sectors of society. Families of missing persons can place their trust in our functionality and transparency,” Katulanda said.

Missing persons issue: Southern women to submit report of complaints 

Ensuring food security remains a top Government priority, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (24) said, directing authorities to secure adequate fertiliser stocks ahead of the 2026 Yala season.The President instructed the Agriculture Ministry and private sector fertiliser importers to jointly implement a programme to maintain uninterrupted supply to farmers, during a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat with ministry officials and company CEOs.With ongoing Middle East (ME) tensions disrupting global supply chains, discussions focused on maintaining sufficient fertiliser stocks for paddy and other crops, and on immediate measures to prevent shortages.Approximately 550,000 hectares of paddy are expected to be cultivated during Yala 2026, requiring an estimated 125,000 metric tonnes (MT) of urea, including 83,000 MT for paddy and 42,000 MT for other crops.As at 1 March, companies held 95,000 MT of urea, with distributors holding a further 7,000 MT, bringing total available stocks to 102,000 MT. However, around 27,000 MT had been released over the past two to three weeks, reducing company-held stocks to about 68,000 MT by 17 March.Officials noted that compared to March 2025, when only around 11,000 MT were expected to be issued, this month’s higher release of 27,000 MT was driven by stockpiling amid fears of a shortage.Orders have been placed for a further 77,000 MT of urea. Of this, 37,000 MT is expected from ME suppliers, creating uncertainty, while 21,000 MT from the remaining 40,000 MT is due to arrive by end March or early April.Discussions also centred on importing the remaining required quantities and maintaining adequate stocks over the next three months through improved management. The President sought clarity on the role fertiliser companies could play in ensuring supply continuity.He stressed that uninterrupted fertiliser supply is critical to food security and underscored the need to prioritise short-term crops such as paddy and vegetables.Fertiliser companies, meanwhile, raised concerns over delays in payments owed to them. The President instructed officials to expedite settlements.Companies agreed to work with the Ministry to maintain sufficient stocks over the next three months.The President also called for long-term planning to respond to similar crises, stressing the need for coordinated action by the Government, private sector and farming community.Issues relating to expanding storage facilities around Colombo to build buffer stocks, providing credit facilities for imports, and proposals submitted to the Food Security Committee were also discussed.

Donald Trump sets 15-point plan to end Iran war

Middle East tensions trigger surge in demand for Sri Lankan Tea

Middle East tensions trigger s ...

Public urged to reduce power use at night

Public urged to reduce power u ...

Showers expected in several areas

Showers expected in several ar ...

Fuel pricing formula: Govt, CPC at odds

Fuel pricing formula: Govt, CP ...

Threats to law and order: Opposition writes to Int’l watchdogs

Threats to law and order: Oppo ...

National bus fare policy: Bus fares revision in July?

National bus fare policy: Bus ...

Missing persons issue: Southern women to submit report of complaints

Missing persons issue: Souther ...

Ensuring food security: Fertiliser stocks a priority: President

Ensuring food security: Fertil ...

Middle East tensions trigger surge in demand for Sri Lankan Tea

Middle East tensions trigger s ...

Public urged to reduce power use at night

Public urged to reduce power u ...

Showers expected in several areas

Showers expected in several ar ...

Fuel pricing formula: Govt, CPC at odds

Fuel pricing formula: Govt, CP ...

Threats to law and order: Opposition writes to Int’l watchdogs

Threats to law and order: Oppo ...

National bus fare policy: Bus fares revision in July?

National bus fare policy: Bus ...

Missing persons issue: Southern women to submit report of complaints

Missing persons issue: Souther ...

Ensuring food security: Fertiliser stocks a priority: President

Ensuring food security: Fertil ...

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Middle East tensions trigger surge in demand for Sri Lankan Tea

Middle East tensions trigger s ...

Public urged to reduce power use at night

Public urged to reduce power u ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Showers expected in several areas

Showers expected in several ar ...

Fuel pricing formula: Govt, CPC at odds

Fuel pricing formula: Govt, CP ...

Threats to law and order: Opposition writes to Int’l watchdogs

Threats to law and order: Oppo ...

National bus fare policy: Bus fares revision in July?

National bus fare policy: Bus ...