A discussion was scheduled to be held yesterday (9) between the Government authorities and officials of the Iranian Embassy in Sri Lanka regarding the next steps to be taken concerning the Iranian sailors currently in Sri Lankan custody.

Deputy Defence Minister, (Retired) Major General Aruna Jayasekara stated that a decision on how to proceed with the Iranian sailors will be made after the discussion with Embassy officials.

A total of 32 sailors rescued from IRIS Dena vessel, which was attacked by the United States in the seas off Galle and 204 sailors from the IRIS Bushehr vessel are currently under Sri Lanka’s custody.

Amid the conflict that has arisen between Israel, US and Iran, significant attention has been focused on the decisions that the Sri Lankan authorities will take regarding the Iranian sailors.

However, commenting on the matter on 8 March, the Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that the Government will grant one-month free visas to the Iranian sailors and provide them with necessary facilities on humanitarian grounds.

Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni also expressed similar views regarding the measures to be followed concerning the Iranian sailors currently in Sri Lanka’s custody as well as the bodies of the deceased Iranian sailors.