Colombo, Sri Lanka – President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced in Parliament today that Sri Lanka rejected requests from both the United States and Iran to enter the country, reaffirming its commitment to a neutral foreign policy stance amid rising global tensions.
According to the President, the United States requested permission for two military fighter jets belonging to its navy to land at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. Around the same period, Iran requested approval for naval vessels to visit Sri Lanka on a goodwill mission scheduled for March 9 and March 13, 2026.
However, the Sri Lankan government declined both requests.
“We made a very clear decision. At that time, there were already signs of escalating military tensions. We did not grant permission to either party. That is what neutrality means,” President Dissanayake stated.
Sri Lanka Balances Global Pressure
The President explained that the Iranian request was initially under review after being submitted on February 26, 2026, seeking entry for a goodwill and cooperation visit.
On the same day, Sri Lanka also received a request from the United States seeking clearance for two military aircraft to land at Mattala Airport, placing the government in a diplomatically sensitive position.
“With two requests on our table—one from Iran and one from the United States—we had to decide carefully. Our decision reflects Sri Lanka’s commitment to neutrality,” he added.
Neutral Foreign Policy Reaffirmed
The move highlights Sri Lanka’s effort to maintain a non-aligned, balanced foreign policy, particularly as geopolitical tensions intensify in the Middle East and beyond.
By rejecting both requests, the government signaled that it will not allow its territory to be used in ways that could be interpreted as aligning with any global power bloc.
English (United States) ·