March 05, Colombo (LNW): Chief Government Whip and Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa informed Parliament today that a second Iranian vessel is currently positioned in international waters close to Sri Lanka’s maritime boundary.
Speaking during a parliamentary session, Dr Jayatissa said the authorities, including the government and the Ministry of Defence, are fully aware of the ship’s location and are monitoring the situation while taking steps to safeguard the people on board.
He explained that the vessel has not entered Sri Lankan territorial waters but is situated within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). According to the Minister, officials are engaged in humanitarian efforts related to the incident and a full report will be presented once the ongoing operation is concluded.
Responding to queries from opposition members regarding the Iranian naval vessel that sank off the southern coast near Galle, Dr Jayatissa clarified that the incident took place outside Sri Lanka’s territorial jurisdiction.
He noted that Sri Lanka’s EEZ extends beyond its territorial waters and allows freedom of navigation for foreign vessels. The country’s authority within that zone largely relates to economic activities rather than full maritime control. The attack on the vessel, he said, occurred roughly 19 nautical miles from Sri Lanka’s coastline.
The Minister further stated that Sri Lankan authorities were alerted after reports emerged that bodies had been spotted drifting in nearby waters. Following the information, the Sri Lanka Navy launched a search and rescue mission.
He said the response was conducted strictly on humanitarian grounds, without initially investigating the cause of the incident or whether it was linked to military action. As a result of the rescue operation, 32 survivors were brought ashore and admitted to Karapitiya Hospital, with one individual currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit. In addition, recovery teams have retrieved 87 bodies from the sea so far.
Dr Jayatissa acknowledged that state facilities were facing challenges in handling the large number of remains, particularly due to a shortage of adequate refrigeration equipment. Authorities are therefore seeking assistance from the private sector to address the situation.
He revealed that discussions were already underway and that two freezer units were expected to be transported to Galle within hours to support the ongoing recovery efforts.
Addressing differing reports surrounding the attack on the Iranian vessel, the Minister said the government had acted on the information available at the time. He pointed out that confirmation of a torpedo strike was only officially communicated later in the evening by the United States.
The government, he emphasised, is continuing to handle the situation in accordance with international law while prioritising humanitarian responsibilities and regional stability. Parliament will be briefed further once investigations and rescue operations progress.
