A Sri Lankan court has ordered that the bodies of 84 Iranian sailors from the IRIS Dena, killed during a US attack off the coast of Sri Lanka and placed at the Galle National Hospital, be handed over to the Iranian Embassy.
This is to ensure that the remains are transferred to Iranian officials for proper handling and repatriation.
According to reports, the order issued by Galle Chief Magistrate Sameera Dodangoda followed a request submitted to the Court by the Galle Harbour Police.
“The Galle Chief Magistrate’s Court ruled today that the bodies of 84 identified crew members from the IRIS Dena, torpedoed by a US submarine 40 nautical miles off Sri Lanka’s coast on 4 March, be handed over to Iranian Embassy officials for repatriation,” read part of report.
Sri Lanka Court Orders Return of 84 Iranian Sailors’ Bodies to Embassy
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He argued that Sri Lanka will adhere to international laws and conventions in managing the situation involving the Iranian sailors.
“We are a neutral state. We are not a state that is involved in this war. If these people are in this country, the government will meet their necessary expenses. That is our decision. All these activities are being carried out as a neutral state, in accordance with the international conventions that exist in the country.” Said Nalinda Jayatissa.
The process is set to be coordinated by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the cooperation of the Sri Lankan government.
Iranian Vessel Sinks, More than 100 People Missing
Earlier, the Iranian Navy frigate ‘IRIS Dena’, carrying 180 sailors, sank near the southern coast of Sri Lanka after being struck by the United States Navy.
The warship was hit by a torpedo from a U.S. submarine while it was returning from a naval exercise organised by India, amid the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran that has wreaked havoc on global markets, sent oil prices soaring, and disrupted trade and travel.
According to reports, 32 crew members were severely injured, rescued, and brought ashore for treatment, while 148 others were missing.
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Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said that Sri Lankan Navy vessels were deployed after the Iranian ship sent a distress call about 40 nautical miles off the coast of Galle.
“Though it was beyond our waters, it is within our search and rescue region. We are the first responders as per our international obligations,” he said.
The Iranian warship reportedly sank outside Sri Lankan waters, but the country is actively involved in rescue operations.
The IRIS Dena frigate was armed with heavy guns, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes, and could carry a helicopter.
Speaking in an address on Wednesday, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed that US forces torpedoed the Iranian ship as part of the operation against Iran.
