Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday (7) said Sri Lanka was handling the recent incident involving the rescued sailors from the Iranian vessels IRIS Dena and IRIS Bushehr near its waters strictly in accordance with international maritime law, emphasising that the country would act under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Responding to questions during the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi about a reported United States operation against an Iranian vessel near Sri Lankan waters and whether Iranian personnel would be repatriated to Iran, Herath did not provide a direct answer but stressed Sri Lanka’s commitment to international legal frameworks.
“I think we have to follow UNCLOS. Therefore, if we can reinstate international laws then we can face any challenge,” Herath said, noting that adherence to international law was essential in addressing maritime security issues.
He added that Sri Lanka had faced numerous challenges and that countries must rely on established international legal mechanisms to manage disputes and ensure stability.
When pressed again by moderator Palki Sharma to clarify whether Sri Lanka would repatriate the Iranian personnel or whether the country was under pressure from the US to hand them over, Herath reiterated that Sri Lanka was acting in accordance with international law and humanitarian considerations.
“We are following international laws. We are taking steps regarding that incident also using those international laws, and we have taken all steps according to them,” he said.
The Foreign Minister further stated that Sri Lanka did not intend to support any party in the matter. “We need not support any party; we take steps in a humanitarian way. Therefore, we will act according to international laws,” Herath said.
Speaking during the session titled ‘Heart of the Seas: The Future of the Indian Ocean,’ Herath highlighted the growing geopolitical significance of the Indian Ocean and called for stronger regional cooperation to maintain stability and security in the region.
He noted that maritime security and economic cooperation remained key priorities for countries in the region and pointed to the role of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in fostering collaboration among member states and strengthening regional engagement.