@JustFabulous_S we already knw some of our politicians are terrible, but the issue is that the media should have at least a small amount of common sense not to publish the stupid statements these politicians keep spreading. This only creates a bad impression of our country globally.
@MarlonAriy@NewsWireLK can you make a statement about this opposition MP is spreading false information that is now circulating globally as if it were legitimate. Journalists and media must verify facts with official sources before amplifying misinformation.
Given the significant misinformation circulating about Iranian vessels near Sri Lankan waters following the attack on IRIS Dena, here is a verified timeline of events based on official statements from the Sri Lankan government:
26 February – Iran requested permission from Sri Lanka for three naval vessels to visit the country for a goodwill port call scheduled between 9–13 March. Since such visits take weeks to organize, the gov. was in discussion, also considering the geopolitical stakes.
27 February – The Iranian vessel IRIS Bushehr informed Sri Lankan authorities of a medical emergency onboard. Sri Lankan forces responded and brought two Iranian personnel ashore for treatment.
4 March, a.m. – Sri Lankan authorities became aware that a vessel had been attacked off the southern coast. Shortly afterward, distress calls were received. Sri Lankan naval and air assets launched a search and rescue operation by 6am, rescuing 32 survivors and recovering 87 bodies (so far).
4 March – The Iranian vessel IRIS Bushehr requested permission to enter a Sri Lankan port, either on 4 or 5 March.
5 March – Sri Lanka formally assumed responsibility for IRIS Bushehr and its crew. The vessel is being escorted to Trincomalee Port, while 208 crew members will be transferred to Colombo.
President @anuradisanayake had the following to say:
“We have followed a very clear and consistent stance, we act neither in favour of any state nor in subordination to any state. We followed international conventions, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.We act as a free and sovereign nation. We act on principle not pressure. Our intervention is decisive and humanitarian and in the interest of our nation and our people.”
Share information from official and credible sources, especially during times of crisis, conflict, or war. Misinformation can be extremely dangerous. Official press release attached.
Here is a link to the press conference:
https://t.co/fbsjMLP4VX
Shameful lies are being spread claiming there are “300 children” on a Iranian ship. This narrative pushed by Ajith P. Perera and several Facebook pages is a reckless attempt to exploit a serious situation for cheap political gain.
Are you not ashamed? @sajithpremadasa