Iranian Ship’s Arrival in Sri Lankan Waters Preceded by Informal Invitation, Envoy Reveals

Mar 6, 2026 2:15 PM

by

Sienna De Silva

FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – Sri Lankan opposition legislator Chamara Sampath Dassanyake has called for a response from the deputy defense minister regarding the Iranian ambassador’s claim that an informal invitation was extended to the IRIS Dena. This vessel was reportedly sunk by a US submarine off the island’s southern coast.

“During our meeting with the Iranian Ambassador yesterday, he informed us that the head of Sri Lanka’s Navy had verbally invited the Iranian ship during a meeting in India,” Dassanyake stated in parliament. “The defense minister must clarify whether the naval commander acted with authority.”

The IRIS Dena was sunk near the southern town of Galle in the early hours of Thursday (04) while returning from the International Fleet Review (IFR 2026) and MILAN 2026 exercises in Visakhapatnam, events hosted by the Indian Navy from February 17-25.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the country was evaluating Iran’s request to allow three ships, including the IRIS Dena, to dock in the island nation’s port since February 26. This assessment was ongoing before the US strike occurred. (Colombo/Mar6/2026)

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