Sri Lanka rejected a request from the United States to station two warplanes at Mattala International Airport earlier this month, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told Parliament, stressing the country’s long-standing policy of neutrality.

The president said that on 26 February, Sri Lanka received a request from Iran for three naval vessels to make a goodwill visit between 9 and 13 March. Later that same afternoon, the US sought permission for two naval fighter aircraft armed with anti-ship missiles to land at Mattala from 4 to 8 March.

“At that point, we had two documents on our table – one from Iran asking for entry for naval vessels, and another from the United States requesting permission for fighter aircraft,” Dissanayake said. “We said no to both. We are steadfastly maintaining our position of neutrality.”

He emphasised that Sri Lanka would not abandon neutrality under pressure, adding that the country’s dignity, justice, and international recognition could only be safeguarded by maintaining that stance.

Dissanayake also rejected claims by some lawmakers and sections of the public that the Government had favoured one side or delayed its decision, calling such accusations “completely false”.

Sri Lanka maintains close ties with both the United States, its largest export market, and Iran, a key buyer of Ceylon tea.

The announcement comes as Switzerland also reaffirmed its neutrality on 14 March, refusing two US requests for military overflights linked to the war in Iran while permitting three unrelated flights. Both Sri Lanka and Switzerland have underscored their positions as neutral states, resisting pressure to provide military access while emphasising humanitarian obligations.