The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that US secondary sanctions on entities providing supplies or services to US-sanctioned vessels are a global policy measure and do not specifically target Sri Lanka.

Foreign Ministry Director General and Spokesman Rodrigo noted that the US announced the measures on 24 August, warning that entities providing services to sanctioned vessels could risk losing access to the US financial system.

He stated that the measures form part of the US’s broader global sanctions policy and are not directed specifically at Sri Lanka.

The Foreign Ministry noted that local officials are handling the matter cautiously, given the sensitivity surrounding the conflict between the United States and Iran.