Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has stressed that the Indian Ocean must remain a peaceful region and should not become part of any ongoing military conflicts.

Speaking to NDTV, Premadasa said the Indian Ocean has repeatedly been declared a peace zone and must continue to remain free from hostilities.

His comments come as tensions in the region escalate following the sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena in international waters off Sri Lanka and the arrival of another Iranian vessel, IRIS Busheher, which has been allowed to dock in Trincomalee.

The Sri Lankan government has said it will assist the survivors from the ill-fated IRIS Dena and handle the situation in accordance with international protocols and humanitarian obligations.

Premadasa also called on all parties involved in the conflict to cease what he described as “asymmetric warfare,” warning that the widening conflict could have serious consequences for smaller countries such as Sri Lanka.

He noted that Sri Lanka is still recovering from its severe economic crisis in 2022 and cautioned that the expanding Middle East conflict is already affecting the country and its people.

The Opposition Leader further emphasised the need for restraint by all parties to prevent the conflict from spreading further across the region. (Newswire)

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