Sri Lanka Denies US Warplanes Access Amidst Rising Tensions

Sri Lanka's Stance on US Military Requests

Colombo: The Sri Lankan government has declined a request from the United States for two warplanes to land at Mattala International Airport, located in the southeast of the island. This announcement was made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a parliamentary session on Friday.

Dissanayake revealed that the US had sought permission for the aircraft to arrive on March 4 and 8, but both requests were turned down.

"Our goal is to uphold our neutrality despite external pressures. We will not yield. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East presents challenges, yet we are committed to maintaining our neutral stance," he stated.

The president elaborated that the US intended to transport two warplanes equipped with eight anti-ship missiles from Djibouti to Sri Lanka, which was ultimately denied.

This declaration follows Dissanayake's recent discussions with Sergio Gor, the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia.

During their meeting, they addressed US initiatives aimed at protecting crucial maritime routes, enhancing trade relations, and promoting a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

On March 4, the US military engaged the Iranian frigate Iris Dena near Galle, resulting in the deaths of 84 sailors, with 32 others rescued.

The frigate was returning to Iran after participating in a naval exercise in Visakhapatnam, India.

Subsequently, on March 6, another Iranian ship, Iris Bushehr, requested entry into Colombo port with 219 sailors on board.

Sri Lanka redirected this vessel to the eastern port of Trincomalee, where 204 sailors are currently being housed at a naval facility near Colombo.