Sri Lanka has officially refused ground access to US warplanes earlier this month, a move that underscores Colombo’s delicate balancing act between Washington and Tehran amid escalating Middle East tensions.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe confirmed that the government denied permission for US aircraft to use Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota during the first week of March. The United States had requested to station two warplanes armed with anti-ship missiles from March 4 to 8, but the proposal was rejected.

The refusal comes at a time when the US and Israel have been conducting joint strikes against Iran, which has heightened global energy concerns and regional instability. Sri Lanka, which maintains diplomatic ties with both the United States and Iran, has sought to avoid being drawn into the conflict. Officials emphasized that the country’s foreign policy remains neutral and focused on safeguarding national interests.

President Wickremesinghe explained that granting access to US warplanes could compromise Sri Lanka’s position as a non-aligned nation. “We cannot allow our territory to be used in a way that may escalate tensions or involve us in conflicts that are not ours,” he said during a press briefing.

Analysts note that Sri Lanka’s decision reflects its strategic caution, especially given its geographic location in the Indian Ocean, where major powers are vying for influence. The Hambantota region, where the US sought access, is already a sensitive area due to China’s significant investments in port infrastructure.

The move also highlights Colombo’s attempt to balance relations with Washington while avoiding antagonizing Tehran, particularly as Sri Lanka recently announced plans to repatriate the remains of Iranians killed in US-led strikes.

For now, Sri Lanka’s refusal signals its intent to remain neutral in the escalating US-Iran conflict, while reinforcing its commitment to a non-aligned foreign policy that prioritizes sovereignty and regional stability.