Namal Rajapaksa, Sri Lankan MP, raised concerns over the sinking of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena near Sri Lankan waters, saying the incident could be viewed as illegal and undermines long-standing norms in the Indian Ocean.
Speaking at India Today Conclave 2026 about the attack, which followed the ship’s reported joint exercises with the Indian Navy near Visakhapatnam, Rajapaksa said more than 80 Iranians were killed when a US submarine allegedly torpedoed the vessel.
Rajapaksa urged renewed cooperation through regional frameworks such as the Colombo Security Conclave and maritime domain awareness initiatives, saying India should play a leading role in safeguarding stability in the Indian Ocean.
He also criticised reports that the United States Department of State had asked Sri Lanka not to repatriate Iranian survivors, saying Colombo must retain the right to make decisions in its own national interest.
Beyond the incident, Rajapaksa referred to Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis, alleging external involvement in the political upheaval that followed. He also defended his family against corruption accusations linked to the crisis. (India Today)
