Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman says the Iranian Navy Ship that sank off the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka had sought permission to dock at the Galle Harbour, but the government had failed to respond in time.
MP Rahman said the Iranian Navy ship had participated in a military training programme in India along with 74 other countries, including Sri Lanka.
“The ship had left India after the training but had to change course due to the Middle East conflict. As such, it was in the waters 40 nautical miles from Sri Lanka for nearly 11 hours. The ship had requested to dock at the Galle harbour. But the government had not responded,” he said.
MP Rahman pointed out that the US submarine was in the Gulf and had received information about the Iranian Navy ship, after which it had targeted the vessel close to Sri Lankan waters.
“Why did we allow the Iranian ship to wait for 11 hours. We are bound by international laws and conventions. Why did we not allow the vessel to berth at Galle Port? Why the delay?” MP Rahman further questioned.
Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman raised the questions in Parliament today while commenting on the attack on the Iranian Navy ship ‘Iris Dena’ off the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka yesterday. (Newswire)