COLOMBO— Sri Lanka denied a request from a United States military aircraft to land at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), according to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The request followed escalating tensions after the reported sinking of an Iranian naval vessel near the island’s maritime zone.
The disclosure, made in Parliament, highlights Colombo’s effort to maintain a neutral stance amid growing geopolitical strain in the region. Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), located in the southern part of the country, was identified as the intended landing site for the aircraft.
US Warplane Request
President Dissanayake confirmed that the United States sought permission to land two warplanes on March 4 and March 8. These aircraft were reportedly deployed from a base in Djibouti, a key strategic hub connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
He stated that the aircraft were equipped with anti-ship missiles and intended to land at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. The Sri Lankan government reviewed the request and declined both attempts without delay.
The decision reflects a firm policy direction as Colombo aims to avoid any military alignment in the ongoing Middle East conflict. Authorities emphasized that allowing such operations could compromise national neutrality.
IRIS Dena Incident
The refusal came shortly after the sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, near Sri Lanka’s Special Economic Zone.
According to The Statesman, the vessel was reportedly struck by a torpedo launched from a US submarine on March 4.
The attack resulted in the deaths of 84 sailors, marking a significant escalation in maritime tensions. Sri Lanka’s navy responded quickly and rescued 32 survivors from the incident site.
Reports indicate that the frigate had been returning to Iran after participating in a naval exercise in India. The circumstances surrounding the attack have drawn international attention, particularly regarding the vessel’s operational status at the time.
Following the incident, Sri Lanka permitted another Iranian naval vessel, IRINS Bushehr, to dock at the port of Trincomalee. Crew members from the ship have since been accommodated at a naval facility near Colombo.
Sri Lanka’s Neutrality Policy amid US Tensions
President Dissanayake reiterated that Sri Lanka will maintain a neutral position despite external pressure. He stressed that the country does not intend to become involved in the Middle East conflict under any circumstances.
The government views neutrality as essential to safeguarding national security and regional stability. Officials continue to monitor developments closely while prioritizing diplomatic balance.
Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean places it at the center of major shipping routes and geopolitical interests. As tensions rise, Colombo’s decisions are likely to remain under international scrutiny.
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