COLOMBO, March 5 (Xinhua) -- A second Iranian vessel is inside Sri Lanka's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) close to the country's maritime boundary, a senior minister told parliament on Thursday.
Cabinet spokesman and Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa told parliament in response to a question posed by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa whether another Iranian ship had been reported near the Port of Colombo.
Jayatissa said the government has taken steps to manage the situation while minimizing loss of life and safeguarding peace in the region, adding that the government would present a detailed report to the parliament after relevant actions are concluded.
The comments came a day after the Sri Lanka Navy launched a rescue operation off the island's southern coast following an incident involving the Iranian naval vessel, IRIS Dena.
Sri Lankan authorities said they rescued 32 survivors and recovered 87 bodies, while the United States said a U.S. submarine sank the Iranian warship in international waters. ■
