Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s silence over an alleged submarine attack on an Iranian vessel within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), stating that the incident raises serious concerns regarding national security and the country’s adherence to international maritime law.

Speaking during the Emergency Regulations debate in Parliament, Premadasa said that numerous international conventions, regulations, and laws governing maritime conduct must be taken into account, and that any attack on a vessel within Sri Lanka’s EEZ could amount to a violation of those frameworks.

He criticised the Government for failing to make any statement regarding the incident or about the submarine reportedly involved.

Premadasa also claimed that the Government appeared unaware of how a foreign war submarine had entered Sri Lanka’s EEZ, questioning whether authorities possessed the necessary technological capabilities to detect such vessels operating in the country’s maritime zone.

He further stated that the Government had previously asserted that national security was at its highest level, particularly after the imposition of emergency regulations intended to strengthen national security and accelerate relief efforts for those affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

However, he argued that the Government’s apparent lack of awareness about the submarine and the reported torpedo attack on an Iranian vessel called into question those claims about national security preparedness.

Premadasa also said that 130 people aboard the first Iranian vessel had reportedly lost their lives within Sri Lanka’s EEZ before 208 individuals on a second Iranian vessel were rescued.

He made these remarks while participating in the Emergency Regulations debate held in Parliament today.