Prior to its sinking by a US submarine near Sri Lanka, the Iranian warship IRIS Dena had been offered shelter by India. This offer was extended in anticipation of escalating tensions between the US and Iran, following air strikes that began on February 28. The Dena, which had participated in India’s International Fleet Review and MILAN-2026 exercise, was torpedoed on March 4, approximately 20 nautical miles west of Galle.
Following a deadly torpedo attack that sank an Iranian frigate and killed at least 87 sailors, Sri Lankan officials are concerned as a second Iranian warship approaches the nation’s territorial waters. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has met with government and security leaders to discuss Iran’s request for the vessel to enter Sri Lankan waters for safety, with authorities fearing it could also become a target. This development comes as the conflict, sparked by US-Israel strikes on Iran, expands geographically, while Sri Lanka maintains its neutral stance.
In Colombo, Sri Lanka, a gunman disguised as a lawyer fatally shot gang leader Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne during a court appearance. The weapon, a revolver concealed in a hollowed-out book, was allegedly smuggled in by a female accomplice still at large. A police officer and van driver are also under arrest for suspected involvement. This killing, part of a series of gang-related deaths, prompted immediate reviews of courthouse security and the implementation of new armed guard protocols.
John Q. Hosedrinker