Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has revealed that the United States requested permission to deploy two warplanes at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport earlier this month, a request that was firmly declined by Colombo.
Speaking in Parliament, the Sri Lankan President said the request was made in early March and involved aircraft equipped with anti-ship missiles. He added that there were plans to move the planes from a US military base in Djibouti to Sri Lanka.
“We have clearly refused the US request, President Dissanayake told lawmakers, signalling Sri Lanka’s decision to avoid involvement in rising regional tensions.
The development comes amid broader geopolitical strains, with several US allies previously declining to take part in potential military action against Iran.
In response, Donald Trump has publicly expressed frustration, stating that the United States does not require assistance from other nations.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake clarified that the request was rejected to maintain Sri Lanka’s neutrality and to ensure that the island’s territory was not used for any military purpose that could support or oppose any party.
He added that on the same day, Iran had also requested permission for three of its warships to make a port call while returning from naval exercises in India.
It is worth mentioning here that several US allies had earlier refused to participate in a potential conflict with Iran. In response, Donald Trump stated that the United States does not need assistance from other countries.
On the other hand, US President Donald Trump has described Iranians as smart and intelligent.
He likened any conflict with Iran to a game of chess, saying that such a situation is like playing chess with very intelligent people.
The former US President stated that the United States is dealing with individuals who are highly intelligent and possess a high IQ.
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