Iran’s parliament speaker says negotiations can’t start without Lebanon ceasefire
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said negotiations with the US cannot begin until two key conditions are met: the implementation of a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of frozen Iranian assets. “Two of the measures mutually agreed upon between the parties have yet to be implemented: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s blocked assets …
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Speaker Endorses the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill
The Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, yesterday (Apr. 09) endorsed the certificate on the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill. The Second Reading debate of the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill was held on 07.04.2026, and the Bill was passed following its Third Reading with amendments. The objective of the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill is to amend the Social …
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Fundamental rights petition seeks levy on single-use polythene bags
A Fundamental Rights petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking the immediate introduction of a regulated levy on single-use polythene bags, along with a structured mechanism to promote environmentally friendly alternatives. The petition, bearing No. SCFR 53/2026, was filed on April 8, 2026, by the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) along with environmentalists Hemantha Withanage and Dilena Pathragoda. …
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Judges’ Retirement Age: A New Proposal and Its Implications
By: Professor G. L. Peiris I. The Constitutional Context Independence of the judiciary is, without question, an essential element of a functioning democracy. In recognition of this, ample provision is made in the highest law of our country, the Constitution, to engender an environment in which the courts are able to fulfil their public responsibility with total acceptance. As part …
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Iran says peace talks would be ’unreasonable’ following Israeli strikes
Israel pounded Lebanon with its heaviest strikes yet on Wednesday, killing hundreds of people and drawing a threat of retaliation from Iran, which suggested it would be “unreasonable” to proceed with talks to forge a permanent peace deal with the United States. The warning from Iran’s lead negotiator, parliament speaker Mohammed Bager Qalibaf, laid bare the continued volatility in the …
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White House deems two-week ceasefire “a victory for the United States”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the two-week ceasefire “a victory for the United States,” as she touted the US military’s efforts in the war with Iran. “We have achieved and exceeded our core military objectives in 38 days,” she said on social media. “The success of our military created maximum leverage, allowing President Trump and the team to …
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Uranium enrichment, Hormuz control: Iran’s 10-point ceasefire conditions
U.S. President Donald Trump early Wednesday once again backed away from his threatening posture in the face of firm warnings from the Islamic Republic of Iran, announcing a two-week ceasefire with Tehran — a move that came alongside acceptance of Iran’s 10-point plan for ending the war. The 10-point proposal that Trump was forced to accept outlines the Islamic Republic’s …
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Iran claims ‘victory’ over US and Israel after Trump’s ceasefire announcement
President Trump agreed to a two‑week ceasefire with Iran, Tehran is now calling the outcome a major victory after the United States accepted, in principle, to its 10-point plan, according to a statement from the Supreme National Security Council of Iran. The plan includes key points such as allowing “regulated passage through the Strait of Hormuz under the coordination of …
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Ministerial Consultative Committee on Defence Convenes Under the Patronage of the President
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Defence met in Parliament this afternoon (07) under the chairmanship of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Defence. During the meeting, extensive discussions were held on the progress of previous deliberations, as well as on issues raised by Members of Parliament representing the Northern Province as well as both government and …
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Oil prices climb as Hormuz stays shut ahead of Trump deadline
Oil prices extended gains on Tuesday as a U.S.-imposed deadline loomed for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or be “taken out”, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to order attacks on Iranian bridges and power plants. Brent crude futures rose $1.44, or 1.3%, to $111.21 a barrel by 0700 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were …
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