President Dissanayake Rejects US Request For Warplane Entry
Sri Lanka refused US permission to land 2 warplanes at Mattala International Airport in early March, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said. The planes, carrying 8 anti-ship missiles, requested landings on Mar 4 and 8. Sri Lanka stressed its neutrality amid Middle East tensions. US envoy Sergio Gor recently discussed trade and security issues with Dissanayake.