The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, said it would share information on the ship with Sri Lanka crew believed to have been hijacked off the Coast of Somalia, in a manner not prejudicial to the crew. 

It said it continued to remain touch with concerned authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of the Sri Lankan crew.

The statement is given in full below: 

'The Ministry is aware of media reports regarding the alleged hijacking of a reportedly “Sri Lankan-flagged fuel freighter” by pirates.

The Ministry is trying to verify the alleged incident, and initial enquiries have revealed that while the vessel involved is not registered under a Sri Lankan flag, it has an eight member Sri Lankan crew.

The Ministry continues to remain in touch with the shipping agents, concerned authorities, as well as relevant Sri Lanka Missions overseas to ascertain further information on the matter in order to ensure the safety and welfare of the Sri Lankan crew

Therefore, as and when confirmed information regarding the alleged incident becomes available, the Ministry will share information in a manner that would not be prejudicial to the safety of the crew.

In the meantime, the Sri Lanka Navy confirmed that eight Sri Lankans were onboard the ship, but said they too were trying to ascertain if the ship had been hijacked. 

If confirmed, this will the first incident of piracy on the seas off Somalia, since 2012.