Iran Requests Repatriation of Naval Officers' Bodies After Ship Sinking

On March 5, it was reported that Iran has formally requested Sri Lanka to repatriate the bodies of naval officers who perished in the sinking of the Iranian warship 'Aris Dina.' According to Jin10, Sri Lanka's Deputy Minister of Health, Hansaka Wijemuni, confirmed that the Iranian government has officially communicated its desire to have the bodies returned to Iran. Arrangements for the transportation of the remains are currently being coordinated. Wijemuni stated that until the necessary procedures are completed, the bodies will be temporarily stored in the hospital's refrigeration facilities. As of the evening of March 4, Karapitiya Hospital had received nearly 90 bodies, and this number is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue. He added that Sri Lanka adheres to standard procedures in handling such incidents, which include conducting autopsies and consulting with the relevant countries on the handling of the remains.