In a clear signal to international partners, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath declared on March 7 in New Delhi that his country will deal with the rescued Iranian sailors solely under the framework of international law. The statement addresses the dramatic sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena by a US submarine and the subsequent rescue operation.
Reports had swirled about US pressure on Colombo to prevent the sailors’ return, but Herath dismissed such notions during a conference. He detailed how Sri Lanka is managing the 32 crew members from the IRIS Dena, which was torpedoed off the southern coast on Wednesday. Sri Lankan naval forces acted decisively, saving the lives adrift in hostile waters.
‘Colombo honors all international treaty obligations in caring for these sailors,’ Herath asserted. Responding to queries on external pressures, he added, ‘Every step we take complies fully with global legal standards.’
Flashback to March 4: The IRIS Dena, fresh from naval drills with India and carrying about 130 personnel, was hit in international waters without prior alert. Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi lambasted the strike on X as US savagery, predicting repercussions for America.
Sri Lanka didn’t stop there. Following the Dena tragedy, the nation sheltered the IRIS Bushehr after it signaled mechanical issues. Its 219 crew were safely brought to Trincomalee port, showcasing Colombo’s humanitarian efficiency.
As diplomatic ripples spread, Herath’s words reinforce Sri Lanka’s principled navigation through superpower frictions. The nation positions itself as a responsible actor, prioritizing law over politics in one of the world’s busiest sea lanes.