RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO – : The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Colombo successfully hosted a special appreciation ceremony today to express deep gratitude to Sri Lankan citizens both Muslims and followers of other faiths who provided vital assistance following the tragic incident involving the Iranian Navy vessel, IRIS Dena.
Addressing the gathering at the Embassy Residence, . Dr. Alireza Delkhosh, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, conveyed the sincere thanks of the Iranian government and the families of the victims to the local volunteers.
The ceremony recalled the horrific tragedy of March 4, 2026, when the unarmed vessel, returning from a friendly mission in India, was subjected to a reckless criminal attack by a United States submarine near Sri Lankan waters, resulting in the martyrdom of 104 sailors and injuring 32 others.
Ambassador Delkhosh strongly condemned the reckless and cowardly act by the U.S. regime as a war crime, noting that while the Iranian nation was resisting widespread external aggressions, the people of Sri Lanka created an enduring epic of humanity by rushing to aid the wounded and honor the fallen.
The event spotlighted the exceptional solidarity of the Sri Lankan public, who worked tirelessly to support the 32 injured crew members transferred to Galle Hospital and voluntarily arranged critical cold storage facilities for the recovered bodies of the martyrs.
During his emotional address, the Ambassador noted that while 84 bodies of the martyrs were recovered and facilitated through the port of Galle, 20 sailors tragically remain missing in the depths of the Indian Ocean. Dr. Delkhosh emphasized that the selflessness shown by the Sri Lankan volunteers to care for the Iranian sailors, who were guests on their soil, is a profound story of compassion that will be remembered with utmost respect by future generations.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of official honors to the local citizens, as the Ambassador prayed for their continued health and success, cementing a historic chapter of humanitarian bonds between the peoples of Iran and Sri Lanka.
