ITEM ONE: Iranian Vessel Seeks Safety in Lankan Waters, 5 March 2026
Anupreeta Das …& Pamodi Waravita reporting from Galle, Sri Lanka
Appearing on television, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka said that the second Iranian naval vessel, the IRINS Bushehr, asked the Sri Lankan government if it could dock at one of the country’s ports.
Sri Lankan officials decided to bring the 208 people on the ship — 53 officers, 84 cadet officers, 48 senior sailors, 23 sailors — to Colombo, the capital, and take the ship into custody in Trincomalee, on the east coast, rather than in Colombo, one of the busiest commercial ports in the world.
Sri Lanka, which has taken a neutral position on the conflict, is being forced to weigh its self-interest against the possibility of angering the United States and Israel for helping Iran. At the same time, Sri Lanka’s navy continues to sieve from the water any wreckage from the destroyed warship, treat injured sailors and brace for the economic hit it might take as the war pushes up oil prices.
Sri Lanka’s plight is an example of the spillover effect of a regional conflict that is dragging in faraway countries. The war has already engulfed around a dozen countries in the six days since it started. On Thursday, Azerbaijan was hit by two Iranian drones, a day after NATO intercepted what it said was an Iranian missile headed in Turkey’s direction.
On Thursday, Sri Lanka’s foreign minister Vijitha Herath posted on X that he had spoken with his Iranian counterpart and “expressed grave concern over the escalation of hostilities.”
Sri Lanka and Iran have solid political and economic ties. The former bought $250 million worth of crude oil shipments from Iran before sanctions on the Middle Eastern country kicked in over its nuclear program. The two sides agreed to an “oil-for-tea” barter deal, which allows Sri Lanka to pay Iran in monthly installments of tea, a top export to Iran.
Bilateral ties are especially important for Sri Lanka, which has struggled to right its economy in recent years after defaulting on its sovereign debt. American tariffs have been an additional burden. Mr. Herath said on Wednesday that ties with Iran had “broadened significantly” under the tenure of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the recently slain Iranian leader. In January, he and Iran’s foreign minister spoke over the phone about Iran’s escalating hostilities with Israel and the United States, and said Sri Lanka was committed to strengthening relations.
The ship is sitting in Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone, defined under United Nations maritime law as a stretch of sea, beyond a country’s territorial waters, to which it has sovereign exploration rights.
Mr. Dissanayake said that officials from the foreign ministries of Iran and Sri Lanka, along with diplomats and defense officials, had been in discussions since the call from the Bushehr came on Wednesday as the Sri Lankan government debated how to handle the issue after agreeing to take the ship into custody. The ship’s crew members had said that one of its engines was in trouble, and that Sri Lanka offered humanitarian help.
“Our seas and skies can’t be used by another nation for their own gain or to harm another nation,” Mr. Dissanayake said. “Our actions since the beginning of the incident have been in line with that stance.”The IRIS Dena was also in Sri Lanka’s E.E.Z. when a U.S. submarine took it down using a torpedo.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called the ship’s fate a “quiet death,” while Iran called the attack an “atrocity at sea.” India, which hosted the navy exercises that the Iran ships were returning from, has not commented.
On Thursday, the Sri Lanka Navy was still searching for sailors who are believed missing from the IRIS Dena, a day after it found 84 bodies in oil-slicked water, amid life rafts and other flotsam. The navy said it rescued 32 people, who were taken to the emergency ward of National Hospital Galle, one of the country’s biggest hospitals. It was unclear whether the ship was carrying 180 people, a number provided by Sri Lankan authorities, or 130, a number provided by Iranian officials.
The survivors were treated for burn injuries and other cuts and scrapes, and all except one were in mostly good shape. Some of the sailors were expected to be discharged from the hospital and taken to the Iranian Embassy in Colombo, the nation’s capital that is about 80 miles from Galle.
After Nalinda Jayatissa, the cabinet spokesman, disclosed the second ship’s presence to Sri Lanka’s Parliament on Thursday, the opposition leader, Sajith Premadasa, said that a country’s E.E.Z. “is for peaceful purposes, not for military action.” Such action within that zone is “a death blow to our sovereignty,” he said.
: An earlier version of this article misstated the time it takes to drive between Galle and Colombo. It typically takes one to two hours, not half an hour. When we learn of a mistake, we acknowledge it with a correction. If you spot an error, please let us know at corrections@nytimes.com.Learn more
Anupreeta Das covers India and South Asia for The Times. She is based in New Delhi.
ITEM TWO: 
DARSHANA SANJEEWA BALASURIYA ….
“Sri Lanka rescues second Iranian vessel lingering near its waters” … in Daily Mirror, 6 March 2026
Colombo, March 6 (Daily Mirror) – After a thorough assessment of the situation, Sri Lanka decided yesterday evening to extend humanitarian assistance to the second Iranian ship lingering near its territorial waters.
Addressing a hurriedly summoned press conference, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the crew will be disembarked for humanitarian assistance and the ship moved to Trincomalee Harbor.
The President said the crew of the Iranian vessel IRIS Bushehr will be brought ashore to the Port of Colombo before being escorted to Trincomalee Harbor. He said the Sri Lanka Navy has made arrangements to safely transport the 208 personnel onboard the vessel to Colombo. They will be subject to medical tests first. The government will take care of their needs including food.
The President also dismissed rumors circulating on social media claiming that 300 children were on board the Iranian ship, stressing that the information was false.
Meanwhile, commenting on the broader situation in the region, President Dissanayake reiterated that Sri Lanka will maintain a neutral stance amid the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. He assured that Sri Lanka would not allow its land, territorial waters and airspace to be used in an inmical manner against any country.
He said the government will continue to fulfill its international obligations while taking necessary humanitarian measures regarding the individuals aboard the vessel.
The President also urged all parties not to exploit the situation for narrow political purposes, emphasizing the need for responsible conduct during what he described as a sensitive period.
The Sri Lankan government’s decision came after the Foreign Ministry, the Defense Ministry and other relevant agencies assessed the requirements sought by the ship while continuing humanitarian assistance to those on board
The vessel, IRINS Bushehr, was located within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as of yesterday and had sought urgent permission to enter the Port of Colombo.
According to the reports, IRINS Bushehr is a 107-meter-long ship manned by over 200 crew members.
The situation developed following the destruction of the Iranian vessel, IRIS Dena, which was struck by a torpedo from a United States submarine on March 4, 2026. The vessel had issued a distress call early Wednesday while positioned about 40 nautical miles off the coast of Galle.
More than 100 sailors were reported killed in the attack, while Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force personnel managed to rescue about 32 to 35 survivors. The rescued crew members were admitted to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital for treatment.
Over 80 bodies have been recovered from the Iranian naval ship IRIS Dena and are being kept at the Karapitiya Hospital mortuary. It was reported that several bodies of Iranian sailors are being kept on ice outside the mortuary after the facility exceeded its storage capacity.
Shortly after the incident, the IRINS Bushehr also reported distress and requested permission to dock in Colombo.
Chief Government Whip and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed in Parliament yesterday that another Iranian vessel was present within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone. He made the statement in response to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa regarding whether the government was aware of the vessel within Sri Lankan waters.
Jayatissa said the President, the National Security Council and the government were aware of the matter and were taking necessary steps regarding the safety of those on board.
“The government is aware of the matter. We are making necessary interventions to resolve this issue, minimize loss of lives and ensure regional security. This vessel is not in our territorial waters. It is within the Exclusive Economic Zone. Nevertheless, we are making maximum interventions regarding the lives of those on board. A complete report will be submitted to Parliament,” he said.
It was learnt that the President convened a meeting of the National Security Council to discuss the situation and determine the next course of action regarding the vessel currently within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
The issue was raised in Parliament yesterday, with opposition members accusing the government of failing to uphold international law within Sri Lanka’s territorial waters. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa demanded a clear statement identifying the attackers of IRIS Dena, clarifying whether a torpedo was involved, and condemning the incident.
National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Namal Rajapaksa has also called on the government to clarify its position regarding the vessel seeking permission for an urgent port call.
He said the government must state its stance on the issue and suggested that authorities consider precedents in Sri Lanka’s foreign policy.
Rajapaksa referred to the decision taken by former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, when Sri Lanka maintained a neutral policy and allowed a Pakistani aircraft to refuel at Bandaranaike International Airport after India closed its airspace to Pakistani aircraft.
The IRINS Bushehr had previously visited the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on February 16, 2024.
Meanwhile, former MP and National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa has also raised concerns regarding the government’s handling of the issue.
Weerawansa questioned whether President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was acting under pressure from the United States in denying the vessel access to the Colombo Port. He said that three Iranian naval ships had been sailing towards India to attend an international military exhibition and that one of the vessels was currently positioned in deep waters off the Panadura coast.
According to Weerawansa, the ship had been seeking permission to enter Colombo Port since Wednesday evening and was visible from the shore.
He alleged that officials from the United States Embassy had exerted pressure on Sri Lankan authorities regarding the matter and warned of possible consequences if the vessel was allowed to dock.
Weerawansa urged the President to maintain Sri Lanka’s non-aligned foreign policy and said the vessel was likely seeking entry for technical assistance or essential services rather than military purposes. (By Dharshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)
Colombo, March 6 (Daily Mirror) – After a thorough assessment of the situation, Sri Lanka decided yesterday evening to extend humanitarian assistance to the second Iranian ship lingering near its territorial waters.
Addressing a hurriedly summoned press conference, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the crew will be disembarked for humanitarian assistance and the ship moved to Trincomalee Harbor.
The President said the crew of the Iranian vessel IRIS Bushehr will be brought ashore to the Port of Colombo before being escorted to Trincomalee Harbor.
He said the Sri Lanka Navy has made arrangements to safely transport the 208 personnel onboard the vessel to Colombo.
They will be subject to medical tests first. The government will take care of their needs including food.
The President also dismissed rumors circulating on social media claiming that 300 children were on board the Iranian ship, stressing that the information was false.
Meanwhile, commenting on the broader situation in the region, President Dissanayake reiterated that Sri Lanka will maintain a neutral stance amid the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.
He assured that Sri Lanka would not allow its land, territorial waters and airspace to be used in an inmical manner against any country.
He said the government will continue to fulfill its international obligations while taking necessary humanitarian measures regarding the individuals aboard the vessel.
The President also urged all parties not to exploit the situation for narrow political purposes, emphasizing the need for responsible conduct during what he described as a sensitive period.
The Sri Lankan government’s decision came after the Foreign Ministry, the Defense Ministry and other relevant agencies assessed the requirements sought by the ship while continuing humanitarian assistance to those on board
The vessel, IRINS Bushehr, was located within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as of yesterday and had sought urgent permission to enter the Port of Colombo.
According to the reports, IRINS Bushehr is a 107-meter-long ship manned by over 200 crew members.
The situation developed following the destruction of the Iranian vessel, IRIS Dena, which was struck by a torpedo from a United States submarine on March 4, 2026. The vessel had issued a distress call early Wednesday while positioned about 40 nautical miles off the coast of Galle.
More than 100 sailors were reported killed in the attack, while Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force personnel managed to rescue about 32 to 35 survivors. The rescued crew members were admitted to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital for treatment.
Over 80 bodies have been recovered from the Iranian naval ship IRIS Dena and are being kept at the Karapitiya Hospital mortuary. It was reported that several bodies of Iranian sailors are being kept on ice outside the mortuary after the facility exceeded its storage capacity.
Shortly after the incident, the IRINS Bushehr also reported distress and requested permission to dock in Colombo.
Chief Government Whip and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed in Parliament yesterday that another Iranian vessel was present within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone. He made the statement in response to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa regarding whether the government was aware of the vessel within Sri Lankan waters.
Jayatissa said the President, the National Security Council and the government were aware of the matter and were taking necessary steps regarding the safety of those on board.
“The government is aware of the matter. We are making necessary interventions to resolve this issue, minimize loss of lives and ensure regional security. This vessel is not in our territorial waters. It is within the Exclusive Economic Zone. Nevertheless, we are making maximum interventions regarding the lives of those on board. A complete report will be submitted to Parliament,” he said.
It was learnt that the President convened a meeting of the National Security Council to discuss the situation and determine the next course of action regarding the vessel currently within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
The issue was raised in Parliament yesterday, with opposition members accusing the government of failing to uphold international law within Sri Lanka’s territorial waters. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa demanded a clear statement identifying the attackers of IRIS Dena, clarifying whether a torpedo was involved, and condemning the incident.
National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Namal Rajapaksa has also called on the government to clarify its position regarding the vessel seeking permission for an urgent port call.
He said the government must state its stance on the issue and suggested that authorities consider precedents in Sri Lanka’s foreign policy.
Rajapaksa referred to the decision taken by former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, when Sri Lanka maintained a neutral policy and allowed a Pakistani aircraft to refuel at Bandaranaike International Airport after India closed its airspace to Pakistani aircraft.
The IRINS Bushehr had previously visited the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on February 16, 2024.
Meanwhile, former MP and National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa has also raised concerns regarding the government’s handling of the issue.
Weerawansa questioned whether President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was acting under pressure from the United States in denying the vessel access to the Colombo Port.
He said that three Iranian naval ships had been sailing towards India to attend an international military exhibition and that one of the vessels was currently positioned in deep waters off the Panadura coast.
According to Weerawansa, the ship had been seeking permission to enter Colombo Port since Wednesday evening and was visible from the shore.
He alleged that officials from the United States Embassy had exerted pressure on Sri Lankan authorities regarding the matter and warned of possible consequences if the vessel was allowed to dock.
Weerawansa urged the President to maintain Sri Lanka’s non-aligned foreign policy and said the vessel was likely seeking entry for technical assistance or essential services rather than military purposes. (By Dharshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)
******************************************
TWO OTHER NEWS REPORTS Elsewhere ON THIS TOPIC
A: “Sri Lanka Navy Evacuates 208 Iranian Sailors From IRIS Bushehr After Distress Call,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4ESUJo7aK0&t=195s
B: “Sri Lanka Takes Control Of Iranian Naval Vessel Off Coast | NewsX World ,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MCELJpXHGw
********************************************
ALSO NOTE https://youtu.be/ikazSNBaM6E?si=8MipER4LsqFfQLYy
AN EMAIL NOTE From HERBERT PERERA in Germany or Mount Lavinia, 5 March 2026:
“Passengers and crew were evacuated last night and looked after in Colombo and the ship was docked in Trinco.”
The US attack on the Iranian naval vessel off the coast of Galle was a violation of international law. The US was required to assist enemy combatants in the water after destroying their ship, but they failed to do so.
This began as a friendly mission. The IRIS Dena had just participated in the International Fleet Review 2026 and the Milan multinational naval exercise in India, which involved 74 countries—including the US. After sailors from the Iranian ship met Indian President Droupadi Murmu during the exercise, the vessels set out together.
The ship was returning to Iran when it was torpedoed by a US submarine off the coast of Sri Lanka. It was a cowardly and shameful act.
An EMAIL NOTE From ERROL Fernando in Melbourne, 6 March 2026:
“Thank you, Michael, for sharing this story of compassion and humanity. We have been hearing for a very long time about the horrors of war. It has been soul-destroying to say the least.
How refreshing and inspiring it is to hear of the Sri Lankan rescue in Galle. It had nothing to do with ‘taking sides’ Nothing whatsoever. It was common humanity at its best. The fact that the people demonstrating the humanity were Sri Lankans makes me extremely proud to have been born there.” …. Errol
The Sri Lankan Navy’s humanitarian intervention to rescue Iranian sailors following the sinking of the IRIS Dena—amidst the moral bankruptcy of a Western-led order—has established a new ‘gold standard’ for global crisis response. By prioritising the preservation of life in a volatile geopolitical climate, the Government of Sri Lanka has demonstrated a principled neutrality that stands in stark contrast to the hypocrisy of Western powers. This consistent commitment to humanitarian integrity serves as a powerful credential for the nation’s leadership on the global stage, reinforcing the argument that a Sri Lankan candidate would be uniquely qualified to serve as the next United Nations Secretary-General.
It warms the heart to read of the humanitarian efforts rendered by the Sri Lankan Authorities towards the stricken Iranian ships in their hour of need . I trust the story will have a like minded ending that will be a shining example to all and sundry in these disastrous times.
Bravo,Sri Lankan authorities for adopting a humanitarian stance despite any pressures to the contrary from the great bully .I am proud of my land of birth.
Thanks, REX ….
And READERS within this wide world, Let me stress that REX is a Sri Lankan Tamil from the Eastern Province now domiciled in Sydney. He was a mite senior to meat Peradeniya University in the mid/late 1950s and was a renowned long-distance runner.