One-month free visa for rescued Iranians - America appreciates the action

Following the sinking of the Iranian warship 'IRIS DENA' by an American submarine in the Indian Ocean region, approximately 19 nautical miles from Galle, the Sri Lanka Navy launched an extensive rescue operation. In this operation, carried out at the request of the Iranian government, the Navy facilitated the transfer of 32 survivors and the bodies of 87 deceased individuals from the incident to the Galle National Hospital.

Following this incident, the Sri Lankan government granted permission for another distressed Iranian vessel, 'IRIS BUSHEHR', to enter the country, and it is currently anchored near the Port of Colombo. The Navy also rescued 204 individuals from the 'IRIS BUSHEHR' and transported them to the Welisara Naval Base, and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that all these actions were carried out in accordance with international charters and obligations.

As a measure to provide humanitarian protection to the rescued Iranian groups, the government has decided to issue temporary relief visas for a period of approximately one month. Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed this while speaking to the media after a program held at the Anuradhapura District Secretariat. He pointed out that this step was taken based on a non-aligned foreign policy and international maritime laws, without causing distress or providing special assistance to any party, and that similar decisions would be made in the future. The Minister also stated that despite indirect pressures arising from the global wartime situation, the National People's Power government is working with keen attention to the country's people and national security.

The spokesperson for the US State Department has officially announced that the sovereignty of Sri Lanka will be fully respected in managing this crisis. He has also acknowledged that Sri Lanka holds the authority to make the final decision regarding the 'IRIS BUSHEHR' vessel and its rescued crew, in accordance with domestic and international legal obligations. However, Reuters, quoting internal American sources, reports that the United States Embassy in Colombo is pressing Sri Lankan authorities not to repatriate the rescued Iranian nationals. Furthermore, foreign media reports that the US has requested the Sri Lankan government to take steps to minimize any attempts by Iran to use these Iranian sailors, currently detained in the country, for propaganda purposes.