President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met senior government and security leaders to discuss Iran’s request for the warship to enter Sri Lanka’s waters for safety.
Sri Lankan officials have expressed concern as a second Iranian warship moved towards the country’s territorial waters on Thursday, a day after a United States submarine destroyed an Iranian frigate, killing at least 87 sailors. Authorities fear the new vessel could also become a target following the earlier attack.
The development comes as the conflict triggered by joint US-Israel strikes on Iran continues to expand beyond the Middle East.
Iran seeks entry into Sri Lankan waters
According to officials quoted by AFP, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met senior government and security leaders to discuss Iran’s request for the warship to enter Sri Lanka’s waters for safety.
Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa told parliament that the vessel was positioned just outside Sri Lankan territorial waters but did not provide further operational details. Officials said the ship was carrying more than 100 crew members, raising fears for their safety.
Aftermath of the frigate sinking
Preparations were under way in the southern port city of Galle to hand over the remains of 87 Iranian sailors killed in the torpedo attack claimed by the US military. The warship had sunk about 40 kilometres south of Galle after issuing a distress call early on Wednesday.
Sri Lankan navy spokesman Buddhika Sampath said naval vessels were continuing search operations for missing sailors. By the time rescuers reached the site, the vessel had already sunk.
Survivors under tight security
Hospital authorities in Galle confirmed that 32 rescued Iranian sailors were still receiving treatment under strict security provided by police and elite commandos. A separate ward was set up for the injured crew.
A nurse said most survivors had minor injuries, though some suffered fractures and burns.
The destroyed warship had been returning home after participating in a military exercise held in India’s eastern port of Visakhapatnam.
Iran has not yet officially commented on the sinking.