October 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is adopting a cautious approach towards 19 Iranian vessels reportedly stranded in international waters near the island, with the ships facing shortages of essential supplies, including food, drinking water and fuel.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Thushara Rodrigo said the Government had no immediate plans to provide assistance, stressing that any decision would be guided by Sri Lanka’s national interests and the potential consequences of becoming involved in a politically sensitive international situation.
He noted that companies supplying provisions and other necessities to the vessels were aware of the possibility of secondary sanctions imposed by the United States. Such measures could expose businesses involved in transactions with sanctioned entities to restrictions, creating additional complications for Sri Lanka.
However, Rodrigo said Colombo had not received any direct communication from Washington warning of consequences if the country decided to assist the Iranian ships.
The vessels are reportedly positioned approximately 24 nautical miles off Sri Lanka’s coastline, where they have indicated that their supplies of food, water and fuel are running low. The situation presents a difficult decision for the authorities, who must consider humanitarian concerns alongside the country’s diplomatic and economic priorities.
The Iranian Embassy in Colombo has stated that it does not have further information regarding the matter.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath asserted that the vessels are Iranian oil tankers which have remained offshore for several months. Their predicament is reportedly linked to the resumption of a US naval blockade affecting the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted the movements of Iranian shipping and left numerous vessels unable to return to their intended destinations.
The latest development comes amid heightened sensitivity surrounding Iranian maritime operations in the region, following a deadly incident involving the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena earlier this year.
Approximately seven months ago, the Iranian warship was sunk in a US torpedo attack, killing 87 sailors. The vessel had been returning to Iran after participating in a naval exercise hosted by India.
Another Iranian ship subsequently entered a Sri Lankan port after its crew reported technical difficulties. Sri Lankan authorities provided assistance to those involved, with injured sailors receiving treatment in local hospitals. The rescued personnel and those who had received medical care were later repatriated to Iran.
These earlier events highlight the delicate position Sri Lanka occupies when dealing with emergencies involving Iranian vessels, particularly when humanitarian responsibilities intersect with wider geopolitical tensions.
The country is also mindful of its economic circumstances. Although Sri Lanka has made progress towards recovery from its recent financial crisis, it continues to depend on international cooperation and external economic support. The United States has played a significant role in supporting the country’s recovery efforts, including backing an International Monetary Fund assistance programme and helping strengthen the agricultural sector during a period of serious food insecurity.
At the same time, Iran remains a country with which Sri Lanka has established commercial relations, leaving Colombo with competing considerations as it assesses the situation.
International affairs analyst Dayan Jayatilleka said Sri Lanka faced a complicated diplomatic challenge, arguing that the country’s ability to intervene was constrained by the broader circumstances surrounding the stranded vessels.
He suggested that the situation should not automatically be interpreted as a straightforward refusal to help, pointing instead to the need for careful deliberation and adherence to international humanitarian obligations.
Jayatilleka also drew a distinction between military vessels and commercial shipping, noting that the ships in question were reportedly cargo vessels transporting Iranian oil to China rather than warships.
He argued that if commercial vessels entered Sri Lankan waters because they were under attack or facing an immediate emergency, the country would have a moral responsibility to provide assistance.
The unfolding situation places Colombo in a difficult position, requiring it to balance the welfare of crews facing shortages against the possible diplomatic and economic implications of providing support. Any decision could have wider repercussions for Sri Lanka’s relations with key international partners, making the Government’s next steps particularly significant.
