Sri Lanka, March 8 -- The government will grant free one-month visas to a group rescued from Iranian vessels, allowing them to remain in Sri Lanka under humanitarian protection, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said.

Speaking on the matter, the Minister said similar decisions could be taken in the future if necessary, stressing that such measures are not intended to support or harm any particular party.

Wijepala noted that the decision regarding the Iranian sailors was made in strict accordance with international conventions and maritime laws applicable to Sri Lanka.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Daily Mirror Sri Lanka....