Sri Lanka has firmly declared its neutrality in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, rejecting U.S. requests to deploy warplanes at Mattala International Airport.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed Parliament, emphasizing that the country does not favor any side and will not allow its territory, airspace, or maritime zones to be used against any nation.
The announcement comes amid speculation that Sri Lanka might be aligning with the U.S., which the President has categorically denied.
According to Qatar’s news agency Al Jazeera, President Dissanayake addressed Parliament, saying that Sri Lanka maintains a neutral policy regarding the Iran conflict and that claims of siding with any party are unfounded.
During his speech, he explained that Sri Lanka had denied Iran’s request for goodwill visits by three naval ships, and had also rejected the U.S. request to station two warplanes at Mattala Airport. These U.S. planes were equipped with anti-ship missiles and were planned to be transported from a base in Djibouti.
The President made these remarks following a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gore, who is stationed in India, addressing criticism regarding Sri Lanka’s recent decisions.
