Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa expressed his views on the attack on the Iranian vessel IRIS Dena near Sri Lankan waters while addressing the India Today Conclave held in New Delhi.

He stated that the incident could be considered illegal and that it violates long-standing conventions governing conduct in the Indian Ocean.

Rajapaksa also called for renewed cooperation through regional frameworks such as the Colombo Security Conclave and maritime domain awareness initiatives, noting that India should play a leading role in safeguarding stability in the Indian Ocean.

He also criticised reports that the United States State Department had urged Sri Lanka not to repatriate Iranian nationals.

Rajapaksa stressed that Sri Lanka must retain the right to make decisions based on its own national interests.