Sri Lanka’s cabinet spokesman told parliament that Colombo was aware that there was another Iranian ship in Sri Lanka’s exclusive economic zone outside its ​maritime boundary and it was “addressing the situation”.

The cabinet spokesman was responding to questions from an opposition leader on whether ​the government was aware that another Iranian ship was near the port of Colombo.

“The President, defence officials, ⁠and all other relevant officials are aware and we are addressing the situation,” spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said. “We are doing our utmost to safeguard ​lives.”

He did not say whether the ship was a military vessel or not.