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By: Isuru Parakrama
March 08, Colombo (LNW): The United States has stated that Sri Lanka retains full authority to determine how it handles the situation involving the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Bushehr and its crew, emphasising that the matter falls under Colombo’s sovereign jurisdiction.
A spokesperson for the US State Department said Washington recognises Sri Lanka’s right to make its own decisions regarding the vessel, its personnel and the Iranian sailors rescued following the recent maritime incident. The official noted that any action taken would be guided by Sri Lanka’s domestic legislation as well as its obligations under international law.
The comments come amid heightened diplomatic attention following the sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena earlier this week off Sri Lanka’s southern coastline. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, speaking at an international forum in New Delhi, confirmed that 32 Iranian sailors rescued from the vessel were being cared for in Sri Lanka under international humanitarian and maritime conventions.
Sri Lanka’s Navy launched rescue operations shortly after the incident and recovered both survivors and the remains of sailors who perished when the vessel went down. Authorities reported that dozens of bodies had been retrieved from the sea during the search and recovery mission.
The government also granted temporary refuge to another Iranian naval vessel, IRIS Bushehr, which arrived with mechanical difficulties shortly after the attack. The ship was escorted to the port of Trincomalee, where its 219 crew members were safely disembarked.
Reports published by international media outlets suggested that the United States had privately urged Sri Lanka not to send the Iranian sailors back to Iran. When asked about those claims, the State Department spokesperson reiterated that the final decision on the matter rested entirely with Sri Lanka.
“We respect Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and its responsibility to manage this situation,” the spokesperson said, indicating that Washington recognised Colombo’s role in applying international maritime and humanitarian law.
Meanwhile, developments in the region have involved other Iranian vessels that were present in South Asia for a multinational naval event hosted by India before the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Indian authorities confirmed that another Iranian ship, IRIS Lavan, was allowed to dock at the port of Kochi after experiencing technical problems during its voyage.
India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said the decision was taken on humanitarian grounds, noting that many of those on board were young naval trainees who required assistance after the vessel sought refuge.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake earlier indicated that Colombo intends to adhere to international conventions governing neutral states during armed conflicts. Under such frameworks, combatants from countries engaged in hostilities may be required to remain in a neutral state until the conflict concludes.
Government officials also said discussions are underway with the International Committee of the Red Cross regarding the treatment of survivors and the handling of those injured in the incident. According to officials, wounded sailors could be repatriated if they request it under applicable humanitarian provisions.
Iranian diplomats in Colombo have meanwhile requested that the remains of sailors killed in the attack be returned to Iran for burial. Authorities are currently considering the request in line with established diplomatic and humanitarian procedures.
