204 Personnel From Iranian Ship Taken to Welisara Naval Base

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Navy says 204 individuals aboard the Iranian vessel IRINS Bushehr have been transported to the Welisara Naval Base after being brought to the Colombo Port.

Navy Media Spokesman Commander Buddika Samapath said the group was moved to Welisara following their arrival in Colombo. He added that the ship’s crew remains on board the IRINS Bushehr.

The spokesman further noted that preparations were underway to formally process their arrival and transfer to the Welisara Naval Base. He confirmed that a Sri Lanka Navy team is scheduled to escort the vessel to the Trincomalee Port today.

The IRINS Bushehr had requested permission to enter Sri Lankan waters and dock in the country.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, speaking at a special media briefing held last night at the Presidential Secretariat, said Sri Lanka decided to allow the vessel entry on humanitarian grounds.

The President stated that the government acted in accordance with its humanitarian policy when approving the ship’s arrival.

The transfer of personnel and the planned movement of the ship to Trincomalee remain under the supervision of the Sri Lanka Navy.