Tensions simmered at a New Delhi conference where Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath vowed fair treatment for 32 Iranian sailors rescued from a sunken frigate. On March 7, he stressed that international law will guide all actions concerning the crew of the IRIS Dena, torpedoed by a US submarine.
The backdrop involves unconfirmed claims of Washington urging Colombo against sending the sailors back. Herath, speaking candidly, outlined Sri Lanka’s protocol: ‘We are handling the IRIS Dena’s 32 sailors per international treaty stipulations.’ Sri Lanka’s navy had rushed to the site off the southern coast post-attack last Wednesday.
Directly addressing pressure allegations, Herath was unequivocal: ‘Our measures align completely with international laws.’ The sinking occurred March 4 in the Indian Ocean, as the frigate returned from India-led exercises with roughly 130 aboard, struck abruptly in open seas.
Iran’s top diplomat, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, fired back online, branding the assault American brutality and foretelling US remorse. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka extended aid to the IRIS Bushehr the next day—rescuing its 219 members after engine failure and docking them securely at Trincomalee.
Herath’s firm stance highlights Sri Lanka’s role as a steady force amid naval confrontations. By committing to legal norms, Colombo not only saves lives but also bolsters its diplomatic credibility in a volatile region, where every rescue carries geopolitical weight.