The Ministry of Defence said on Friday (13) that arrangements had been made to repatriate to Iran the bodies of 84 sailors who died aboard the IRIS Dena, which sank in the southern seas off Sri Lanka.

A special aircraft carrying the bodies departed from Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport on Friday, the Ministry said, adding that the repatriation was carried out in coordination with the Embassy of Iran in Sri Lanka.

The remains had been kept in two mobile cold-storage units at the Galle National Hospital before being transported to Mattala by lorry following a court order. Forty-five bodies were moved in the morning, while the remaining 39 were transported later in the day.

Earlier this month, the Iranian naval vessel suffered an incident about 40 nautical miles off Port of Galle while carrying around 180 personnel. Thirty-five rescued sailors were admitted to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, while 84 bodies were subsequently recovered.

Following the incident, Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Iranian vessel had been sunk in international waters by a torpedo fired from a submarine of the United States Navy.

A Book on Poetry that covers the recent Historical Challenges like the Tsunami, Cyclone and the Economic Depression in Sri Lanka.

The Book Launch will be held at Vinodh Senadeera Hall, St Thomas College, Mt Lavinia on March 29th Sunday at 5.00 pm.

FAST-TRACK YOUR FUTURE AFTER O/L

Liyana Weedagamaarachchi, now a third-year Marketing Management undergraduate (University of Plymouth, UK) at NSBM Green University and a trainee at a leading marketing agency, reflects on the journey that began with the NSBM Foundation Programme.

“My journey at NSBM began with the NSBM Foundation Programme, the pathway that shaped my transition from a school leaver to university life. I joined the Foundation Programme immediately after completing my G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) examinations.

The Foundation Programme didn’t just prepare me academically; it prepared me for life. I gained confidence, learned to manage my time, and developed skills that would carry me through my undergraduate degree. It gave me a head start and put me on track to graduate with an Honours degree and enter the global job market two years ahead — by the age of 21.

Beyond academics, NSBM provided countless opportunities for personal growth. I joined clubs, participated in student-led initiatives, and discovered leadership opportunities I never imagined. I had the privilege of serving as President of the Marketing Circle, and now as President of the Association of Business Management. I also discovered my voice through the NSBM Media Club.

Leading teams, organizing events, collaborating with industry partners and connecting with talented peers, all these experiences at NSBM taught me teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and honed my skills.

Most importantly, I did all this while maintaining strong academic performance. NSBM taught me balance, resilience, and self-confidence. Every challenge I faced and every opportunity I embraced prepared me for the world beyond the university.

Joining the Foundation Programme was the step that set my entire university journey in motion. It equipped me with the tools and confidence to shape my future.”

Now, it’s your time to fast-track your future after O/L.

Registrations are now open for the 2026 March Intake of NSBM Foundation Programme!

NSBM Green University, Mahenwatta, Pitipana, Homagama

Call us: 011 544 5000 Email: inquiries@nsbm.ac.lk Web: www.nsbm.ac.lk