Sri Lanka Reaffirms UNCLOS‑Based Approach to Iranian Crew

COLOMBO (News 1st) Sri Lanka will act strictly according to international law in handling the Iranian personnel rescued from recent maritime incidents, Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath said, responding to questions on whether the individuals will be repatriated to Iran or handed over under pressure from the United States.

During the ORF Raisina Dialogue discussion, journalist Palki Sharma asked: “Are you going to repatriate the Iranian personnel back to Iran or are you under pressure from the US to hand them over to encourage them to defect?”

In response, Minister Herath repeatedly emphasised Sri Lanka’s adherence to global legal frameworks. He stated: “I want to reiterate UNCLOS. Because we are following those international laws. We are taking steps on that incident also using those international laws. We have taken all steps according to international laws. And I think we need not support any part. We took all steps in a humanitarian way. Therefore, we will take steps according to international laws.”

Herath made clear that Sri Lanka’s actions remain rooted in UNCLOS and humanitarian principles, stressing that the country does not support any party and will continue to make decisions solely based on international legal obligations.