COLOMBO, March 24 (Reuters) - McDonald's has

ended an agreement with its local partner in Sri Lanka over

"standard issues" and all 12 outlets are closed, an attorney for

the U.S. company said on Sunday.

"The parent company decided to terminate the agreement with

the franchisee due to standard issues," said Sanath Wijewardane,

an attorney for McDonald's. "They are not in business in the

country. They may decide to return with a new franchisee."

A spokesperson for the local partner, Abans, declined to

comment.