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Wimal questions Govt. over alleged U.S. influence regarding Iranian vessel
Colombo, March 5 (Daily Mirror) - Former Member of Parliament and National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa has raised serious concerns regarding the Sri Lankan government's handling of an Iranian naval vessel currently stationed near the island's territorial waters.
Weerawansa questioned whether President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is acting under pressure from the United States in denying the vessel permission to enter the Colombo Port.
According to Weerawansa, three Iranian naval ships were originally en route to an international military exhibition in India. While one vessel has gained public attention, he revealed that another is currently positioned in deep waters near the Panadura coast. He said that the vessel is visible from the shore and has been seeking permission to enter the Colombo Port since yesterday evening.
The former MP alleged that authorities from the U.S. Embassy have exerted significant pressure on both port and government officials. He claimed that threats were made to carry out air strikes if the vessel was allowed to dock.
"I have information that U.S. Embassy officials have threatened the Colombo Port and government authorities, stating they would launch air strikes if the ship is brought into the port," Weerawansa said.
Weerawansa urged the President to demonstrate "backbone" and uphold Sri Lanka’s non-aligned foreign policy. He argued that the vessel is not seeking entry for military operations but likely for technical repairs or essential services.
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