Colombo, March 21, 2026 – President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed Parliament, affirming that Sri Lanka will continue to uphold its neutrality policy, describing it as a vital pillar of the nation’s sovereignty, dignity, and international credibility.

The President emphasized that the Government would not allow any external pressure to compromise Sri Lanka’s neutral stance under any circumstances. He explained that recent requests from both Iran and the United States for military-related access were denied to maintain this neutral position.

Iran had requested permission for three naval vessels to visit Sri Lanka on a goodwill mission in March 2026, while the US sought approval for two warfare aircraft to land at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. The Government decided against both requests to avoid alignment with external military tensions and to safeguard strategic locations, including the Port of Colombo and Mattala Airport.

President Dissanayake also clarified that Sri Lanka did not support a recent proposal at the United Nations Security Council, citing it as incomplete and inconsistent with the nation’s principles of fairness, justice, and neutrality.

Regarding defense cooperation with the US, the President emphasized that there is no agreement obligating Sri Lanka to participate in any international conflict. Current cooperation focuses on aviation activities, maintenance training, maritime awareness, cybersecurity, secure communications, and humanitarian disaster response.

Fuel Supply and Global Energy Prices

Addressing domestic concerns over rising fuel prices, the President attributed the increase to global crude oil price surges rather than the depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee. Currently, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation supplies approximately 57% of the country’s fuel demand, while the private sector provides the remaining 43%.

President Dissanayake noted that global fuel price increases ranging from 6% to 50% have forced many nations to adjust domestic pricing structures. Sri Lanka relies heavily on energy imports from the Middle East, and nearly one million Sri Lankan workers abroad contribute significantly to the country’s foreignexchange earnings.

The President concluded by stating that the Government is actively securing stable energy supplies through long-term tenders and government-to-government agreements with international partners, ensuring the country’s energy security amid global market volatility.