Sri Lanka has taken control of the Iranian naval vessel Irins Bushehr, which requested to dock due to engine failure. This request came just one day after a US submarine sank another Iranian warship, the Iris Dena, in nearby waters. The US attack, which occurred on March 12, 2024, resulted in the deaths of at least 87 crew members, significantly escalating tensions in the region.
The Iris Dena, carrying approximately 180 crew members as part of a multinational exercise in the Bay of Bengal, was torpedoed around 44 nautical miles off Sri Lanka’s southern coast. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the sinking as a historic display of American naval power, stating it was “the first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War Two.” In response, Iran condemned the attack as an “atrocity at sea,” with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserting that the US would “bitterly regret” the strike.
On the following day, the Irins Bushehr sought permission to dock at a Sri Lankan port after reporting engine problems. After several hours of discussions, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake authorized the vessel to dock at the northeastern port of Trincomalee instead of the commercial hub of Colombo. The decision aimed to avoid potential disruptions to Sri Lanka’s maritime industry.
A total of 208 crew members from the Irins Bushehr were evacuated, including 53 officers, 84 cadet officers, 48 senior sailors, and 23 sailors. Plans are in place to transport them to Colombo for further assistance. President Dissanayake commented on the situation, stating, “Our position has been to safeguard our neutrality while demonstrating our humanitarian values.” He added that Sri Lanka’s intervention reflected the country’s commitment to international conventions and human life.
Sri Lanka has reiterated its intention to remain neutral amid the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. This position aligns with the country’s historical non-alignment policy while fulfilling its humanitarian responsibilities. The South Asian nation is also actively searching its waters for missing crew members from the Iris Dena. Currently, 32 survivors are receiving treatment in Galle for serious injuries.
Economically, Sri Lanka maintains strong ties with both the US and Iran. The country imports approximately $250 million worth of Iranian crude oil, a transaction balanced through monthly tea exports. Meanwhile, the US remains the primary destination for Sri Lankan garments and apparel, underscoring the complex interdependence amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
