Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa on Tuesday declined to respond to remarks by Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alireza Delkhosh, who said the warship IRIS Dena had visited the island at the invitation of Sri Lankan authorities.
Jayatissa was responding to questions from journalists on the envoy’s comments, which come amid heightened tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
“We will continue as a neutral nation. Protecting our neutrality, we will do all that we can. I am not prepared to respond to his comments. If necessary, the Foreign Ministry will do so,” he said.
He clarified that the Sri Lanka Navy Commander had extended only a general, customary invitation to its counterparts during the recent naval engagement in Visakapatnam, India.
“The Naval Commander extended a cordial invitation to fellow naval commanders, as is standard practice. On February 29, Iran requested a goodwill visit from March 9 to 13. That is the extent of it. There was no formal diplomatic invitation,” Jayatissa said.
The IRIS Dena had earlier participated in the International Fleet Review 2026 and the naval exercise in Visakhapatnam, India, in February.
The vessel was later sunk by the US near Sri Lanka on March 4 while returning from the exercise. (Newswire)