Business

Indian Ocean under fire: Parliament explodes over the sinking of ‘IRIS Dena’

Published

6 months ago

2026/03/6

A new crisis looms with a second Iranian vessel at the doorstep

Sri Lanka’s parliament became a secondary battleground yesterday as the sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena ignited a fierce debate over national sovereignty, regional maritime priciples, and the government’s perceived ‘strategic paralysis.’

While the Navy’s rescue of 32 sailors was initially painted in shades of heroism, Opposition MPs have now unfurled a narrative of missed warnings and geopolitical betrayal.

In a scathing address, Opposition firebrand Chamara Sampath Dissanayake challenged the circumstances of the vessel’s arrival in Sri Lankan waters. The IRIS Dena had been a guest of the Indian Navy during the MILAN-2026 exercises just days prior. Dissanayake alleged that at the conclusion of the fleet review, the vessel was effectively ‘put out’ of India, leaving the crew with no choice but to steer toward Sri Lanka.

“This was a deliberate attempt by the host to put a guest in harm’s way,” Dissanayake charged, stopping just short of naming India directly while making the implication undeniable. He argued that Sri Lanka had been ‘set up’ to deal with the fallout of a targeted strike that occurred only 11 nautical miles from Galle.

The debate took a darker turn when SJB MP Mujibur Rahman dropped a bombshell regarding the timing of the attack. Rahman alleged that the IRIS Dena had signalled for permission to enter Sri Lankan waters 11 hours before it was struck by U.S. torpedoes.

“Why did the authorities keep silent?” Rahman demanded. He blasted the government for failing to act on humanitarian grounds, suggesting that Colombo’s hesitation provided the necessary window for what U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth termed a ‘Quiet Death.’ Rahman’s critique painted a picture of a government ensnared in superpower machinations, unable to uphold the principles of the Indian Ocean as a ‘Zone of Peace.’

Responding to the barrage of questions, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed a chilling new development: a second Iranian vessel is currently positioned in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off Colombo.

While Jayatissa assured the House that the President and the Security Council are ‘fully aware’ and making ‘necessary interventions’ to protect those on board, the lack of specific details fueled further anxiety. Political analysts suggest that the government’s failure to announce a clear, proactive neutral policy has left it in a state of ‘vacillation,’ unable to decide whether to grant refuge to the second ship or risk another tragedy on its doorstep.

The parliamentary clash was punctuated by the visit of former president Ranil Wickremesinghe to the Iranian Embassy yesterday to offer condolences for the passing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Wickremesinghe had warned on March 2 – just 48 hours before the sinking – that the current ‘leadership eviction’ methodology in the Middle East could destabilise the Indian Ocean.

As the death toll from the IRIS Dena stands at 87 with 60 still missing, the ‘can of worms’ opened in parliament reveals a nation at a crossroads. The government’s silence during the Dena’s final hours and its current ‘intervention’ with the second vessel will likely define Sri Lanka’s standing in a rapidly fragmenting global order.

As the House adjourned, one question remained hanging in the air: In the face of a superpower conflict, does Sri Lanka have the ‘backbone’ to be truly neutral, or is it merely a spectator to its own maritime destiny?

by Sanath Nanayakkare

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Business

Indo-Sri Lanka Chambers forge alliance to drive infrastructure and real estate investment

Published

23 hours ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

The exchange of the MoU between the two organisations

By Sanath Nanayakkare

In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.

The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.

A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.

Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.

With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.

To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.

Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.

Business

Hettich celebrates a decade in Sri Lanka with partner meet in Colombo

Published

23 hours ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality

Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.

The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.

Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.

The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.

Business

GS Evo Motors launches all-new JMEV EWIND

Published

23 hours ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

Priyantha Perera, Chief Executive Officer of GS Evo Motors (left), and Sunil Wettasinghe, Chairman of GS Evo Motors, introducing the latest JMEV Ewind Electric SUV to the local market

GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.

The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.

The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.