Sri Lanka’s refusal to host US warplanes before Iran war risks trade backlash

In late February, the United States requested permission from Sri Lanka to temporarily relocate two armed warplanes from Djibouti to Mattala International Airport between March 4th and 8th. Sri Lanka refused the request, citing a desire to avoid involvement in a foreign conflict, specifically a potential war between the US/Israel and Iran. The US request occurred shortly before the US reportedly torpedoed an Iranian frigate off the Sri Lankan coast on March 4th. Following this, Sri Lanka also denied port access to three Iranian naval vessels returning from exercises in India, who requested to dock between March 9th and 13th. President Dissanayake revealed the US request and Sri Lanka's refusal, highlighting the nation's neutral stance.

Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake informed parliament that his government denied a request from the United States to land two combat aircraft at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport between March 4 and 8. The request, made on February 26, sought permission for the aircraft, carrying anti-ship missiles and originating from a base in Djibouti, to land at the civilian airport. Dissanayake stated the decision was made to maintain Sri Lanka's neutrality amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. The war has caused global concern, with some countries refusing direct involvement and calling for de-escalation, including Switzerland halting arms exports to the US that could be used against Iran.