Court orders handover of IRIS Dena sailors’ bodies to Iranian Embassy

Thursday, 12 March 2026 03:59 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Galle Chief Magistrate’s Court has directed the National Hospital in Galle to release the bodies of 84 Iranian sailors killed when the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena was sunk by US forces off Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

The Court ordered hospital authorities to hand over the remains to the Iranian Embassy following a request from Tehran. The bodies are currently being preserved in two freezer containers at the National Hospital in Galle.

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said earlier that the Government of Sri Lanka is prepared to repatriate the bodies once Iran formally requests their return.

International media reports, including Al Jazeera citing Iran’s Fars News Agency, said Iran’s army public relations office has indicated that arrangements are underway for the remains to be returned to the country. The repatriation process is being coordinated by Iran’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, with the cooperation of the Sri Lankan Government.

Sri Lankan rescue teams recovered 84 bodies following the incident, while Iranian authorities have said around 20 sailors remain missing.

The IRIS Dena was reportedly sunk by US forces approximately 19 nautical miles off Sri Lanka’s southern coastline amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Sri Lanka has also provided assistance to survivors from the affected vessels. Authorities accommodated 32 sailors rescued from the IRIS Dena and a further 208 crew members from a second Iranian vessel, IRIS Bushehr, which sought Sri Lankan assistance after experiencing an engine malfunction.

Dr. Jayatissa said Sri Lanka is handling the situation in line with international law and humanitarian obligations.

“We are a neutral State. We are not a country involved in this war. As long as these individuals remain in Sri Lanka, the Government will cover their necessary expenses,” he said, adding that the response is being managed in accordance with applicable international conventions.