Sri Lanka denies US request to land warplanes, cites neutrality amid regional tensions

Sri Lanka has reportedly refused permission to the United States to land two warplanes at Mattala International Airport earlier this month, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told Parliament on Friday.

According to reports, the President stated that the requests regarding aircraft operating from Djibouti and transporting anti-ship missiles were made for March 4 and March 8. He reportedly emphasised, “We want to maintain our neutrality despite the many pressures we face. We will not give in,” referring to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Dissanayake stated that Sri Lanka had declined the requests as part of its policy to remain neutral amid escalating regional conflict.

His remarks came a day after a meeting with US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, during which both sides discussed maritime security, trade ties and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

This comes after recent incidents in the region, including the reported sinking of the Iranian frigate Iris Dena off the southern coast near Galle, which resulted in significant casualties.

Subsequently, another Iranian vessel, Iris Bushehr, sought entry to Colombo port with over 200 sailors on board. Authorities redirected the ship to the eastern port of Trincomalee, while a majority of the crew have since been accommodated at a naval facility near Colombo.