Sri Lanka Rejects US & Iran Military Requests to Uphold Neutrality 🛡️

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake informed Parliament that the government denied simultaneous requests for military access from both Iran and the United States to safeguard national sovereignty and non-alignment. • The Requests: On February 26, Iran requested port access for 3 naval vessels (March 9-13). On the same day, the US requested permission for 2 naval fighter aircraft from Djibouti to land at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA). • The Decision: Both requests were rejected to avoid being drawn into escalating Middle East tensions or appearing to favor one global power over another. • Strategic Impact: The President emphasized that granting access could have turned the Port of Colombo and MRIA into focal points for foreign military interests, risking the country's "long-standing policy of neutrality." • Economic Context: Protecting the neutrality of key infrastructure like shipping ports and aviation hubs is vital for maintaining international recognition and ensuring the stability of logistics and tourism sectors. The President reiterated that Sri Lanka will not compromise its neutral stance under external pressure to ensure the "dignity of the nation."