Amid rising military tension between the United States and Iran in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has taken a significant humanitarian step.
The Sri Lankan government has announced a one-month free visa for Iranian sailors who were rescued after a recent naval incident.
Sri Lanka’s Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala clarified that the decision was not made to support any country.
Instead, it is based on international maritime law and humanitarian responsibility.
The move aims to provide relief to sailors affected by the sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena.
Iranian Warship Sinks After Submarine Attack
The incident occurred when the Iranian warship IRIS Dena was reportedly torpedoed by a US submarine while returning from a multinational naval exercise held in Visakhapatnam.
The powerful attack caused the ship to sink, resulting in the death of several sailors.
The Sri Lankan Navy quickly launched a rescue operation and saved 32 Iranian sailors who were struggling in the sea.
At the same time, more than 200 sailors from another Iranian ship, IRIS Bushehr, were evacuated and brought safely to a Sri Lankan naval base.
Sri Lanka Offers Shelter and Medical Support
According to Minister Ananda Wijepala, the rescued sailors will stay in Sri Lanka temporarily under humanitarian protection.
They are being provided with accommodation, security, and medical care until arrangements are made for their safe return to Iran.
Several injured sailors are currently receiving treatment at Karapitiya Teaching Hospital.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also stressed that Sri Lanka follows a long-standing policy of neutrality and helping people in distress is its top priority.
Diplomatic Impact and Global Attention
Experts believe Sri Lanka’s decision shows strong commitment to humanitarian values.
Despite the possibility of diplomatic pressure from powerful nations, the country has maintained a neutral stance.
The Iranian Embassy has welcomed the move and is working closely with Sri Lankan authorities to ensure the sailors receive proper care and are safely returned home.
Plan to Send Sailors Back to Iran
Officials from both countries are now working on a repatriation plan.
The sailors will remain in Sri Lanka under the special one-month visa while the arrangements are finalized.
The Sri Lankan Cabinet is expected to formally approve the decision soon so that all legal procedures can be completed.
Meanwhile, doctors continue to monitor the health of injured sailors around the clock.
Those who recover fully will be moved from hospitals to secure accommodation camps.
Growing Geopolitical Tensions in the Indian Ocean
The sinking of IRIS Dena has raised concerns about rising geopolitical tensions in the region.
Experts warn that conflicts from the Middle East could now extend into important Asian sea routes.
This could impact global trade and economic stability.
A Surprising Connection with India
Interestingly, the Iranian ship IRIS Dena had recently participated in a multinational naval exercise in Visakhapatnam before the incident.
During their visit to India, Iranian sailors also toured the famous Taj Mahal and interacted with local residents, taking photos with visitors.
What began as a routine naval exercise has now turned into a major international incident drawing global attention.
