The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, thank you for allowing a Special Statement.

¶ 02 In the Indian Ocean near Galle harbour—estimated 40–44 nautical miles offshore; the Government should confirm precisely—international media report that the Iranian Navy vessel “IRIS Dena” was attacked through the intervention of a foreign State and sank. The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a life-saving operation—we commend that. However, there has been no official Government statement on the exact location of the attack, whether it fell within our maritime zones, and what state-technical security measures have been taken.

¶ 03 I must clarify relevant international law: the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Article 56 (rights, jurisdiction and duties of the coastal State in the EEZ), Article 58 (rights and duties of other States in the EEZ) and Article 88 (reservation of the high seas for peaceful purposes) are relevant. The “due regard” principle is a globally recognized norm. Also pertinent are the 1994 San Remo Manual and international humanitarian law—in particular Rule 44 and paragraph 34 of the San Remo Manual—governing conduct within territorial sea, continental shelf and EEZ.

¶ 04 The Government and Parliament are responsible for safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security. When a sensitive international armed incident occurs near our waters, failure to inform this House obstructs Members’ constitutional duties. Under the UN Charter Article 2(1), States’ sovereignty and equality must be respected. As I noted, UNCLOS Articles 19 and 20 outline conduct including exercises and submarine navigation in territorial seas. As a signatory State, our Government must make a special statement on this incident.

¶ 05 International media—CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera—reported, citing our Defence Ministry sources, that there was a submarine torpedo attack. Our Defence Ministry then said there was no torpedo attack. Subsequently, the US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, stated that a strike was launched from a US submarine. Therefore, the Government must make an official statement.

¶ 06 Additionally, it is reported that many bodies were brought to Galle; health authorities have requested about forty-foot containers for temporary storage. I request the Government to provide the required cooler containers urgently.

¶ 07 It is further reported that another Iranian vessel is near our territorial sea off Colombo. We require a clear statement.

¶ 08 Specifically, we need clarity on whether the attack occurred within our maritime zones and at what distance in nautical miles. Also, while international media make claims, our Defence Ministry denies them. Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence is present—I ask for a statement. You are aware of different classes of submarines—guided-missile, attack and ballistic missile submarines. You said you would bring a table and bench and give tuition on national security; however, the Government seems unaware of events in our waters and EEZ. Please brief this House and the nation.