Colombo — Sri Lankan President Anura Disanayake said the country will maintain a non-aligned position amid the current West Asia conflict and urged all parties to prioritize peace and protect civilians.
In a post on X, Disanayake emphasized that no civilian should die in war and said Sri Lanka treats every life as precious. He said the government will jealously guard its non-aligned policy while putting humanitarian values and saving lives first, warning that the world faces the risk of a severe global economic crisis and complex social challenges. He called on all sides to show a firm commitment to ending hostilities and said Sri Lanka stands ready to support steps that reduce violence.
At a news conference, the president reiterated the country’s neutral stance amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, saying Sri Lanka will not permit its land, territorial waters or airspace to be used in a hostile manner against any state, according to the Daily Mirror Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka also extended humanitarian assistance to a second Iranian vessel after it sent a distress signal near Sri Lankan waters. The crew of IRIS Bushehr was disembarked to receive aid and the ship was moved into Trincomalee Harbour; the Sri Lanka Navy arranged safe transport for the 208 people on board to Colombo.
The Bushehr distress call came after the sinking of IRIS Dena on March 4, 2026. That vessel was reportedly struck by a torpedo from a United States submarine, an attack that sources say killed more than 100 sailors; Sri Lankan Navy and Air Force personnel rescued roughly 32 to 35 survivors. (ANI)
This report is based on syndicated news feeds and reflects the information provided by those sources.
