Sri Lanka Rejects US Warplane Refueling Request, Citing Strict Neutrality Amid West Asia Tensions

Amid rising tensions in the West Asia region, Sri Lanka has rejected a proposal to allow US fighter jets into the country, strictly adhering to its policy of neutrality. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake informed Parliament on Friday that the nation would not allow its territory to be used for military activities that benefit any single party.

According to him, the US had requested on February 26 to land two fighter jets at Mattala International Airport from March 4 to 8, with plans to station eight anti-ship missiles. However, Sri Lanka rejected the proposal to maintain its neutrality, he stated.

On the same day, Iran had also sought permission for three of its warships, returning from a naval exercise in India, to make a port call in Colombo. President Dissanayake said, "If we had given permission to Iran, we would have been in a situation where we had to give permission to the US as well; thus, the decision was made to maintain equal distance from both sides."

In early March, the US Navy reported that at least 84 sailors died after an Iranian frigate, the 'Iris Dena,' was struck by a torpedo near Sri Lanka's southern coast. The Sri Lankan Navy stated that 32 people were rescued following the incident.

Meanwhile, another Iranian vessel, the 'IRIS Bushehr,' was permitted entry into Sri Lankan waters on humanitarian grounds. It was reported that the crew of 219 members was given refuge in Colombo, considering their safety.

Sri Lanka has maintained close ties with the US, a major export market, while simultaneously balancing its relationship with Iran, the primary buyer of its tea. In this scenario, maintaining neutrality amidst growing regional tensions appears to be Colombo's priority.