Sri Lanka Rejects US Request to Station Warplanes at Mattala Airport

In a significant geopolitical development, Sri Lanka has refused a request from the United States to station military aircraft on its soil, signaling a cautious approach amid rising regional tensions.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake informed parliament that the US had requested permission earlier in March to deploy two warplanes at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.

According to the president, the aircraft were equipped with anti-ship missiles and were planned to be transferred from a US base in Djibouti to Sri Lanka as part of strategic military positioning.

President Dissanayake stated that the government clearly rejected the request, emphasizing Sri Lanka’s decision to avoid involvement in escalating military tensions.

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The move reflects growing caution among several countries regarding participation in potential conflicts, particularly in the Middle East region.

Reports suggest that multiple US allies have also declined to support military action against Iran, indicating a lack of consensus on the issue.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump expressed frustration over the lack of allied support, stating that the United States does not necessarily require assistance from other nations.