Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s non-aligned position in the event of a potential escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan, stating that the country will not participate in Indian Ocean geopolitical conflicts.
“We will not get involved in the Indian Ocean geopolitical issues. We will follow a non-aligned stance while maintaining our sovereignty. We will not approve or support terrorism of any form, and we are prepared to support any measure to prevent terrorism,” Jayatissa told reporters at the weekly Cabinet Media briefing.
Responding to a question about Sri Lanka’s preparedness and security policy should tensions lead to conflict, the Minister said the government prioritizes regional peace and public security.
“What is important to us is the region’s security, public security and peace. We will act towards this and the Foreign Ministry will communicate Sri Lanka’s stance on this as the situation develops,” he said.
Jayatissa noted that the situation is being monitored closely by both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, although no formal decisions have been made yet.
Addressing questions about Sri Lanka’s diplomatic position between two historically allied nations, he acknowledged the complexity of the situation, particularly as India frames the issue as terrorism-related while Pakistan denies the allegation.
“Both India and Pakistan have helped us from time to time, and will be helping us in future as well. Sri Lanka is maintaining good diplomatic relations with both countries. Certain issues must be resolved among themselves,” he said.
He reiterated that Sri Lanka would not permit its territory, airspace, or waters to be used by any country against another.
“Our territorial land, waters, and airspace will not be used by one country against another. We remain firm on this position and have communicated it clearly in the past. Our involvement is aimed at de-escalating tensions, safeguarding regional peace, and preventing terrorism,” Jayatissa said. (Newswire)
