Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says that information has been received about another Iranian vessel near the Colombo Port within Sri Lanka’s maritime boundary, and that the government must issue a clear statement regarding it.
Making a special statement in Parliament today (05 Mar), Sajith Premadasa further said that the government should also issue a special statement regarding the reported attack yesterday on an Iranian warship by a torpedo launched from a US submarine.
“It has been revealed via international media that the Iranian Navy ship ‘Iris Dena’ was sunk following an attack by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean. The Sri Lankan Navy had conducted a search and rescue mission, which we appreciate. The government has not yet issued a statement on the exact location of the attack, whether it involves Sri Lankan waters or the surrounding economic region, and what diplomatic measures have been taken in this regard,” he said.
The Opposition Leader further said the failure of the government to brief the Parliament on an incident of this magnitude is deemed an obstruction for Members of Parliament to carry out their duties.
Stating that several international media and the U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth have confirmed that a torpedo was launched from a US submarine targeting the Iranian Navy ship, he said, but the government and the Ministry of Defence have denied the reports.
“The government must make an official announcement in this regard,” he urged.
Premadasa also revealed that information has come to light about another Iranian ship within the Sri Lankan territorial waters off the Port of Colombo.
“We need a clear statement from the government regarding this, as well as on the Iranian Ship that was attacked near Galle, the number of personnel involved, and other related details,” he added. (Newswire)