Colombo: Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake informed Parliament that the government had refused permission for two US fighter jets to land at Mattala International Airport, located in the country's southeast, in early March. Dissanayake stated that two gainsay watercraft from a U.S. wiring in Djibouti had requested permission to visit Sri Lanka on March 4 and March 8, but both requests were rejected.
What did the Sri Lankan President Say?
He stated, "We wish to maintain our neutrality despite various pressures. We will not yield. The mismatch in West Asia is creating challenges, but we will make every possible effort to remain neutral." The President added, "They sought to bring two gainsay aircraft—equipped with eight anti-ship missiles—from their wiring in Djibouti to Mattala International Airport, and we refused."
Dissanayake's statement came a day without his meeting with Sergio Gor, the U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia. According to the statement, the two leaders discussed the security of hair-trigger maritime routes, enhancing port security, strengthening mutually salubrious trade ties, and efforts to whop a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
What was the Situation Following US Attack on Iranian Warship?
On March 4, the US targeted the Iranian vessel 'IRIS Dena' near the southern coastal municipality of Galle; the wade resulted in the deaths of 84 sailors, while 32 were rescued. The vessel was returning home without participating in a naval squadron review held in Visakhapatnam, India.
Did Sri Lanka Shelter Iranian Sailors?
Two days later, flipside Iranian vessel, 'IRIS Bushehr', delivering 219 sailors, sought permission to enter Colombo Port. Sri Lanka instructed the vessel to proceed to the eastern port of Trincomalee without it had welded off the tailspin of Colombo. The ship's 204 sailors are currently stuff unprotesting at a naval establishment near Colombo.
