Former minister Wimal Weerawansa claims secret military tensions surrounding an Iranian naval vessel and US pressure could drag Sri Lanka into dangerous geopolitical conflict in the Indian Ocean.
National Freedom Front leader and former minister Wimal Weerawansa has issued a strong warning that Sri Lanka could be drawn into escalating international military tensions following a controversial incident involving an Iranian naval vessel linked to the Milan 2026 naval exercise held in India.
Speaking about the developing geopolitical situation, Weerawansa alleged that the United States had already planned a submarine attack targeting an Iranian naval vessel that participated in the Milan 2026 multinational naval exercise hosted by India. According to his claims, India’s intelligence agency RAW would have been aware of such a development.
He pointed out that a group of Iranian naval officers and cadets had travelled to India for the exercise following an official invitation by the Indian government. However, the United States Navy, which was expected to participate in the same naval exercise, reportedly withdrew at the last moment.
Weerawansa questioned how India, which maintains a sophisticated intelligence network, could have been unaware of a potential attack on a foreign military delegation that had entered the country through an official invitation.
He argued that India had committed a serious moral and diplomatic failure by allowing Iranian naval vessels to depart despite the alleged security risk, claiming the incident demonstrates that India cannot be fully trusted in matters of regional security.
According to Weerawansa, the controversy escalated when the Iranian vessel later requested permission to enter Colombo Port. He alleged that officials from the United States Embassy in Colombo warned Sri Lankan authorities that the vessel could be targeted by an air strike if it was allowed to dock.
Following this warning, the Defence Secretary reportedly informed the Iranian ambassador that Sri Lanka could not grant port access. However, political pressure from several government aligned Muslim politicians and appeals made to the President led to a compromise decision.
Weerawansa claimed the vessel was eventually directed to Trincomalee while those on board were brought to Colombo.
He further alleged that the United States is currently exerting pressure on the Sri Lankan government not to allow the vessel or its personnel to leave the country.
According to the former minister, Washington may now be seeking to strengthen its military presence in the Indian Ocean after security bases in parts of the Middle East were reportedly destroyed.
He warned that such developments could risk transforming Sri Lanka into a strategic military platform and potentially draw the island into international conflict.
