With reference to Sri Lanka's recent stance on regional security, consider the following statements: 1. The statement was made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at Nikaweratiya. 2. Sri Lanka approved the use of its airspace by Iran for maritime operations. 3. Sri Lanka rejected requests from the United States to use its territory for acts against India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Sri Lanka rejects US and Iran requests to use territory for acts against India

GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims + Mains· 11 October 2026

Maritime and airspace security in the Indian Ocean: a key GS2 International Relations and Neighborhood First policy case.

Why in news

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake confirmed the rejection of requests from the United States and Iran to use Sri Lankan territory or airspace for hostile acts against India.

Background

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made the statement at Nikaweratiya following a meeting with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. The statement specifically addressed requests regarding the use of aircraft and warships by the US and Iran.

Facts for Prelims

PlaceNikaweratiya: Location in Sri Lanka where the statement was made
PostAnura Kumara Dissanayake: President of Sri Lanka
FactSri Lanka rejected requests from both the United States and Iran regarding territory/airspace use

Prelims practice question

With reference to Sri Lanka's recent stance on regional security, consider the following statements:

The statement was made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at Nikaweratiya.
Sri Lanka approved the use of its airspace by Iran for maritime operations.
Sri Lanka rejected requests from the United States to use its territory for acts against India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)2 only
(b)1 and 3 only
(c)2 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: Sri Lanka rejected requests from both the United States and Iran.

For Mains

Q. Analyze the significance of Sri Lanka's stance on maritime and airspace security in the context of India's 'Neighborhood First' policy and regional security architecture.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Geopolitical alignment: Sri Lanka's move reinforces India's security perimeter againstnon-state and state-sponsored hostile activities.
Maritime security: Prevention of unauthorized naval and aerial movements in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to ensure freedom of navigation.

Keywords: Neighborhood First · Maritime Security · Strategic Autonomy · Regional Stability · Geopolitical Alignment

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note How notes are made Source: Times of India ↗Also: GS1 · Places in news / mapping

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