The Sri Lankan government will make decisions while safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and identity, while remaining prepared to intervene when necessary on humanitarian grounds, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath has stated.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks at an event held today (4), while clarifying reports concerning Iranian vessels anchored near Sri Lanka’s maritime boundary.
Minister Herath said maritime traffic has become increasingly complicated due to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that vessels have also been anchored in international waters near countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia, in addition to Sri Lanka.
According to Minister Vijitha Herath, around 47 vessels are currently anchored in international waters near Sri Lanka, and these are not vessels that arrived recently but have been in the relevant international maritime area for an extended period.
Of these vessels, 19 are Iranian-flagged vessels, but the Minister confirmed that they are not anchored within Sri Lanka’s territorial waters.
No US Request to Restrict Supplies to Iranian Vessels
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath also strongly rejected reports that the United States had instructed Sri Lanka to prevent the Iranian vessels from receiving food or water.
He said the Sri Lankan government had received no such request, intervention or pressure from the United States.
“The United States has not made any such request, intervention or exerted any pressure on our government. Therefore, there is no such situation. If such reports are being circulated, they are completely incorrect.
“We make all our decisions while protecting our sovereignty and identity. However, if there is a need arising from humanitarian considerations, we will make the necessary intervention.”
IRIS Bushehr Remains at Trincomalee
Minister Vijitha Herath also said the IRIS Bushehr vessel remains anchored at the Port of Trincomalee.
He said Sri Lanka is providing the vessel’s 13 crew members with the necessary food, accommodation and security while ensuring that the vessel remains safely maintained.
However, Minister Herath clarified that the Sri Lankan Government has not provided cargo transportation or supplies to vessels subject to US sanctions.
He stressed that Sri Lanka always acts in accordance with international maritime law.
Given Sri Lanka’s geopolitical significance and its location along major international shipping routes, a large number of vessels belonging to different countries pass near the island every day, the Foreign Minister said.
He added that Sri Lanka, as a country, is obligated to provide assistance and guidance to such vessels whenever necessary.
