President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed today (20) the reasons behind the Government’s decision to refuse permission for Iranian naval vessels to enter Sri Lankan territorial waters.

Addressing the Parliament, the President explained that on 26 February , the government received a request for Iranian naval vessels to visit Sri Lanka between March 9 and 13, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation.

The government had been carefully considering this proposal.

He also mentioned that on the same evening, the United States had requested permission for two fighter aircraft to land at Mattala Airport. 

Highlighting Sri Lanka’s policy of strict neutrality and non-alignment, President Dissanayake stated that the government decided to decline both requests.