The Frontline Socialist Party has called on the Sri Lankan government to initiate discussions with South Asian countries on providing humanitarian assistance to vessels affected by the conflict involving Iran.
In a statement issued on Oct. 9, the party said around 15 to 25 oil tankers linked to Iran were reportedly stranded just beyond Sri Lanka’s maritime zone, unable to continue their journeys amid tensions involving the United States and Iran.
The party said reports indicated that some vessels had run short of essential supplies, including food, drinking water and fuel, and that Sri Lanka had received requests for assistance. However, Cabinet spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa had recently said no official request had been received, according to the statement.
The party also referred to a report in The Wall Street Journal that US authorities had warned Sri Lanka against assisting Iranian vessels, while Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath had denied that any such pressure had been exerted.
Calling for a humanitarian response, the party urged the government to avoid becoming involved in geopolitical disputes and to provide assistance to those in need.
It also proposed reaffirming the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace, recalling a 1971 United Nations initiative supported by Sri Lanka and India.
The party called on the government to convene discussions with South Asian countries to develop a coordinated regional response to the situation. (Newswire)