Sri Lankan MP Namal Rajapaksa has raised concerns over the sinking of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena near Sri Lankan waters, stating that the incident could be viewed as illegal and may undermine long-standing norms in the Indian Ocean.
Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2026, Rajapaksa referred to the attack that reportedly occurred after the vessel had participated in joint exercises with the Indian Navy near Visakhapatnam. He said more than 80 Iranian sailors were killed when a US submarine allegedly torpedoed the ship.
Rajapaksa called for stronger regional cooperation through frameworks such as the Colombo Security Conclave and maritime domain awareness mechanisms, adding that India should play a leading role in safeguarding stability in the Indian Ocean.
He also criticised reports that the United States Department of State had urged Sri Lanka not to repatriate Iranian survivors rescued after the incident, stating that Colombo must retain the right to make decisions based on its own national interests.
Beyond the incident, Rajapaksa also referred to Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis, alleging that there had been external involvement in the political developments that followed. He further defended his family against corruption allegations linked to the crisis.
