President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reviewed Iran’s request to allow the vessel into its waters for safety as tensions escalate after a US submarine attack killed 87 Iranian sailors near Galle
A day after a US submarine destroyed an Iranian frigate in an attack that killed at least 87 sailors, Sri Lankan authorities expressed concern after a second Iranian warship moved toward the country’s territorial waters on Thursday.
According to a News18 report, authorities fear the approaching vessel could also become a potential target following the earlier strike.
The development comes as the conflict triggered by joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran continues to spill beyond the Middle East.
According to AFP, citing officials, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a meeting with senior government and security officials to discuss Iran’s request to allow the warship to enter Sri Lankan waters for safety.
Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa told parliament that the vessel was currently positioned just outside Sri Lanka’s territorial waters, though he did not provide additional operational details.
Officials said the ship was carrying more than 100 crew members, raising concerns about their safety.
Authorities in the southern port city of Galle are preparing to hand over the remains of 87 Iranian sailors killed in the torpedo attack claimed by the US military.
The frigate sank about 40 km south of Galle after sending out a distress call early on Wednesday.
Sri Lankan navy spokesman Buddhika Sampath said naval vessels were continuing search operations for sailors still missing. By the time rescuers reached the site, the ship had already sunk.
32 Iranian sailors receiving treatment
Hospital officials in Galle said 32 rescued Iranian sailors were receiving treatment under strict security provided by police and elite commandos. A separate hospital ward has been arranged for the injured crew.
Medical staff said most survivors suffered minor injuries, though some sustained fractures and burns.
The destroyed warship had been returning to Iran after taking part in a military exercise in India’s eastern port city of Visakhapatnam.
Iran has not yet issued an official statement on the sinking.
Sri Lanka has maintained a neutral stance in the conflict and has repeatedly called for dialogue to ease tensions in the Middle East. Iran is also a key buyer of Sri Lankan tea, the country’s primary export commodity.
With inputs from agencies
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