Sri Lanka has refused permission for two US warplanes to land at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport amid heightened tensions in West Asia.
Speaking in Parliament, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the government would not compromise the country’s neutral stance despite geopolitical pressures. He noted that requests were made to land the aircraft on March 4 and March 25, but both were turned down.
The President said the conflict in the Middle East is creating wider challenges, including fuel shortages in several countries. In response, Sri Lanka has reintroduced a national fuel pass system using QR codes to manage distribution.
He added that the US aircraft were intended to bring in two warplanes carrying eight anti-ship missiles each, and reiterated that Sri Lanka would do everything possible to remain neutral.
