SLTDA Supplies 400,000L Fuel to Tour Operators.

COLOMBO – The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has supplied a total of 400,000 liters of fuel to registered tour operators under a special QR-based allocation system, aiming to support the tourism sector during challenging times.

SLTDA Chairman, Buddhika Hewawasam, confirmed that the fuel allocation includes 200,000 liters of diesel and 200,000 liters of petrol. Additionally, the authority has provided 120,000 liters of fuel for hotels to ensure uninterrupted services for tourists.

Chairman Hewawasam also noted a decrease in daily tourist arrivals. Previously averaging 8,000–8,500 per day, the numbers have recently dropped to between 6,000 and 6,500. Despite the increase in fuel prices, tour operators have maintained current tourist package rates, planning adjustments only for the next season with revised packages.

This initiative by the SLTDA demonstrates a commitment to sustaining Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and supporting businesses affected by rising operational costs. By ensuring reliable fuel supplies, the authority aims to facilitate smoother operations for tour operators and hotel services, ultimately benefiting the overall tourist experience.

US Expects Iran Response to 15-Point Peace Plan as Trump Pushes for Deal

Steve Witkoff announced that the United States expects Iran to begin negotiations with Washington this week regarding a proposed 15-point peace framework aimed at easing regional tensions.

Speaking to reporters, Witkoff said officials remain optimistic about upcoming diplomatic discussions. He confirmed that the United States has already presented a structured 15-point proposal and now awaits Iran’s formal response. Meanwhile, Donald Trump repeated his commitment to reaching a negotiated agreement with Tehran. He emphasized that both sides currently engage in dialogue and show interest in reducing conflict risks through diplomacy.

Witkoff also confirmed reports that Iran allowed 10 oil tankers to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz. Officials described this move as a positive signal that may support ongoing negotiations. Trump described the tanker movement as a constructive development. He said the safe passage reflects goodwill and improves the environment for continued talks between both countries.

Despite earlier warnings directed at Tehran, Trump stated that Iran appears willing to move toward an agreement. He added that current discussions could help end tensions in the coming weeks if progress continues. Observers believe the diplomatic initiative could influence regional stability across the Middle East. Analysts also note that the outcome of the proposed agreement may affect global energy markets and international security cooperation.

Domestic Worker Arrested; 14 Pounds of Gold Recovered in Jaffna.

Police in Jaffna recovered 14 pounds of stolen gold jewellery after officers arrested a 53-year-old domestic worker linked to the theft.

The homeowners worked away from their residence during daytime hours. They had hired the woman to maintain the house while they remained absent.

Later, the family noticed that 14 pounds of gold jewellery had disappeared from the house. They immediately reported the incident to the Jaffna Crime Prevention Division.

Police officers launched a rapid investigation into the complaint. Investigators identified the domestic worker as the main suspect in the case.

Officers arrested the suspect during the operation. Police also recovered the entire quantity of stolen gold jewellery from her possession.

Authorities confirmed that legal action will continue against the suspect. Police advised residents to verify background details before hiring domestic workers for household duties.

Couple Killed, Seven Injured in Girandurukotte Cab–Tractor Collision

A tragic road accident in the 3rd Mile Post area of Girandurukotte has claimed the lives of two passengers and injured seven others after a cab collided with a tractor, police confirmed on Saturday. According to police reports, the victims were a 57-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman from Mahiyanganaya. They were among 13 passengers traveling in the cab at the time of the collision.

Authorities stated that the crash occurred when the cab struck a tractor along the Girandurukotte roadway. Emergency responders quickly transported the injured passengers and the tractor driver to Mahiyanganaya Hospital for medical treatment. Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Officials urged motorists to exercise caution, especially on rural roads where visibility and traffic conditions can change rapidly. Road safety experts continue to stress the importance of responsible driving practices to reduce accidents across regional transport routes in Sri Lanka.

Iran Warns Israel of Severe Conseqences After Strikes on Nuclear Infrastructure.

Tensions between Iran and Israel sharply escalated on the 28th day of the ongoing confrontation, after Israel launched coordinated strikes on several strategic Iranian infrastructure sites, including a uranium enrichment facility near Yazd. Following the attacks, Iran issued a strong warning, promising severe consequences in response to what it described as a serious violation of its sovereignty.

The Israeli military officially confirmed that its forces targeted a facility linked to Iran’s uranium enrichment operations. However, Iranian authorities quickly stated that the attack caused no casualties and did not trigger any radiation leakage. Officials emphasized that emergency safety systems functioned effectively and prevented further damage.

Reports also confirmed that a projectile landed near the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Iranian officials clarified that the missile caused no structural damage and did not affect plant operations. Despite the limited impact, the incident increased regional concerns about the safety of nuclear infrastructure during military escalation.

Israeli strikes reportedly formed part of a wider operation targeting several industrial and strategic sites across Iran. These included the Khondab heavy-water complex and major steel production facilities located in Khuzestan and Isfahan. Analysts believe these locations hold both economic and strategic importance for Iran’s industrial stability.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi strongly condemned the attacks and warned that Iran would respond decisively. He stressed that strikes on nuclear-related and industrial infrastructure represent a dangerous escalation that threatens regional security. Iran reiterated its commitment to defending national interests against further aggression.

Security observers note that the involvement of the United States in the broader regional tensions has further complicated the situation. Experts warn that continued escalation between Iran and Israel could significantly impact Middle East stability and global geopolitical dynamics.