COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — March 20, 2026 — Sri Lanka’s government has confirmed that it declined a request from the United States to allow two military‑linked aircraft to land at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, citing procedural and security considerations.
Government spokesperson Bandula Gunawardena told reporters in Colombo that the request, submitted through diplomatic channels, did not meet the clearance requirements typically applied to foreign state aircraft. He said Sri Lanka “followed standard protocol” and emphasized that the decision was not politically motivated.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the U.S. Embassy in Colombo had sought permission for two aircraft to make technical stops at Mattala, an underused airport in the country’s south. The purpose of the flights was not publicly disclosed, and U.S. officials have not commented on the nature of the request.
Gunawardena said the government reviewed the proposal and determined that “the necessary documentation and justifications were insufficient,” adding that Sri Lanka maintains the same procedures for all countries. “We have longstanding relationships with many partners, including the United States, but every request must comply with our national guidelines,” he said.
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, often described as one of the world’s least busy international airports, has occasionally been used for military or humanitarian transit flights with prior approval. Analysts note that landing requests from foreign governments can be sensitive, particularly as Sri Lanka balances its diplomatic ties with the U.S., India, and China.
A senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaking on background, said the government wanted to avoid “any misinterpretation” of the aircraft movements at a time when regional security dynamics are under scrutiny.
The U.S. Embassy has not issued a formal statement, but diplomatic sources said Washington routinely coordinates technical landings across the region and that such requests are “standard practice.”
Sri Lanka has been working to project a stance of neutrality in international affairs, especially after its recent efforts to stabilize foreign relations and attract investment. Political observers say the government is cautious about decisions that could be viewed as aligning too closely with any major power.
The matter has not sparked significant domestic controversy, though it has drawn attention on social media, where some users questioned whether the refusal reflected broader geopolitical pressures.
Officials said the government remains open to future requests from the United States or any other nation, provided they meet established criteria.