• Govt confirms vessel in SL’s EEZ; 
• Foreign media identify ship as IRIS Bushehr

A second Iranian naval vessel positioned near Colombo has reportedly sought assistance from Sri Lanka following the sinking of an Iranian warship earlier this week, as authorities confirmed the ship is currently located within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament yesterday (05) the vessel is positioned close to Sri Lanka’s maritime boundary but remains outside the country’s territorial waters, which extend 12 nautical miles from the coastline.

The clarification came after Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa informed Parliament that another Iranian ship had been sighted near the Port of Colombo.

Foreign media reported the vessel is the IRIS Bushehr, believed to be a tanker-type naval logistics ship used to supply Iranian naval vessels. Reports indicate the ship is anchored roughly 12 nautical miles from the Port of Colombo, placing it just outside Sri Lanka’s territorial waters.

According to those reports, the Bushehr had arrived in the area to provide logistical support to the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, which sank earlier this week following a reported submarine torpedo attack about 19 nautical miles from Galle Harbour.

Foreign media further reported the vessel is believed to carry a significant number of naval cadets and that its Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracking signal has since been switched off.

The Bushehr is also reported to have visited Sri Lanka on several previous occasions, although its current arrival is said to have occurred without prior scheduling.

Minister Jayatissa emphasised that Sri Lanka’s response is guided by international maritime law and humanitarian considerations amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

He added that a detailed report will be presented to Parliament once the situation surrounding the vessel and the broader developments in Sri Lankan waters are concluded.