A Sri Lankan court has ordered the release of the bodies of 84 sailors who died in an assault on an Iranian warship near the country’s shores. The incident involved the warship IRIS Dena, which was struck by a torpedo from a US submarine while returning from a naval drill organized by India. This event occurred amidst the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran, causing disruptions in global markets, surges in oil prices, and disturbances in trade and travel.
The court directive was issued in response to a plea from the Galle Harbour Police in Galle, a southern port city. The deceased sailors’ remains are presently located at Galle’s National Hospital morgue.
Furthermore, Sri Lanka has approved 30-day entry visas for 208 crew members from another Iranian vessel that sought refuge in the country due to engine issues in the same vicinity. Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekera informed Reuters about this development, stating that Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry is coordinating with the Iranian embassy in Colombo, with consultations being conducted with Tehran.
“We are anticipating a response from Tehran in the coming days,” Jayasekera mentioned.
A spokesperson from Sri Lanka’s cabinet mentioned that the second vessel, IRIS Booshehr, is currently positioned nine nautical miles from the coast and will be relocated soon. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had previously announced plans to move the vessel to Trincomalee Harbour on the east coast.
Reports from Reuters suggested that Washington is urging Colombo not to repatriate survivors from the two Iranian ships. Among those onboard IRIS Dena, 32 individuals survived the attack.
Both the US and Iran are significant trade partners for Sri Lanka. The US contributes around 40% of the country’s apparel exports, while Iran is a major purchaser of Sri Lankan tea.
In addition, a third Iranian warship, the IRIS Lavan, with 183 crew members, is currently stationed in the southern Indian port of Kochi.
