The National Joint Committee (NJC) has called on the Sri Lanka government to seek compensation from the United States for the sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena on approximately March 4, some 19–25 nautical miles off Galle — within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

Environmental fallout

The NJC’s statement details significant environmental damage from the sinking. Thousands of tonnes of heavy fuel oil and military chemicals were released into a sensitive marine ecosystem. The Marine Environment Protection Authority has confirmed lubricant oil contamination in popular coastal areas including Hikkaduwa and Dodanduwa.

The sinking occurred during the March–April breeding season for whales, dolphins, and fish larvae. Sea turtle nesting has also been affected, with experts warning of increased hatchling mortality. Local fishermen have reported oil patches, with projections suggesting up to 50% depletion of shallow-water fish stocks in affected areas.

The NJC argues the sinking occurred in Sri Lankan waters without the government’s consent, establishing a clear basis for reparations. The committee drew parallels with the 2021 MV X-Press Pearl disaster, which caused over $6 billion in environmental damage and led to a 2025 Supreme Court ruling requiring the vessel’s owners to pay $1 billion in compensation.

The committee urged the government to conduct comprehensive damage assessments, pursue diplomatic channels for compensation, and engage international bodies to declare the Indian Ocean a peace zone.

The IRIS Dena sinking was officially confirmed by Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara on April 14. All 240 Iranian sailors — 32 from the Dena and 208 from the interned IRIS Bushehr — departed Sri Lanka on a Turkish Airlines charter the same day.