Sri Lankan President Says Country Once Refused U.S. Warplanes to Land
Xinhua News Agency, Colombo, March 20 (Reporter Wu Yue) - Sri Lankan President Dissanayake stated on the 20th that the government recently rejected a request for two U.S. military aircraft to land at Mattala Airport in the southern part of the country.
During a speech in parliament that day, Dissanayake said that based on Sri Lanka's policy of neutrality, the government decided to refuse the request. He stated that Sri Lanka has always adhered to neutrality and will not abandon this position under any pressure.
Dissanayake also indicated that the country similarly rejected a previous request from Iran for three naval vessels to visit Sri Lanka from March 9 to 13.
Sri Lanka rejected the landing request of two U.S. military aircraft at Mattala Airport on March 20, 2023, citing its neutral policy. President Dissanayake emphasized that the country will maintain its neutrality and not yield to external pressures. Additionally, Sri Lanka declined a prior request from Iran for naval vessels to visit.
- Sri Lanka rejected the landing request of 2 U.S. military aircraft.
- The decision was made based on Sri Lanka's neutral policy.
- The president stated that Sri Lanka will not abandon its neutral stance under pressure.
- Sri Lanka also rejected a request from Iran for naval vessels to visit.