Govt. maintains neutral stance amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan

Friday, 9 May 2025 00:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa states ensuring regional stability, peace and public safety remains key priority
Says Sri Lanka will not engage in any geopolitical conflict in Indian Ocean region
Asserts SL strongly opposes all forms of terrorism
Opines certain issues are better resolved among themselves

The Government yesterday affirmed its non-aligned position amidst a potential escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan, stating that the country will not participate in Indian Ocean geopolitical conflicts.

“We are closely observing the situation between India and Pakistan. Our position is guided by the principles of sovereignty and regional peace,” Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said responding to queries raised at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

He said Sri Lanka will not engage in any geopolitical conflict in the Indian

Ocean region.

“For us, ensuring regional stability, peace and public safety remains a key priority,” he added.

Dr. Jayatissa stressed that Sri Lanka strongly opposes all forms of terrorism, noting that the Government is committed to support international efforts to combat terrorism, whilst maintaining its non-aligned stance. “We would not permit our territorial land, waters and airspace to be used by any country against another. We remain firm on this position. Sri Lanka’s interests are aimed at de-escalating tensions, safeguarding regional peace and preventing terrorism,” he assured.

The Cabinet Spokesman said the Foreign Ministry will officially communicate Sri Lanka’s stance on it as the situation develops. “The situation is being monitored closely by both the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Finance Ministry,” he added.

When asked if Sri Lanka has faced a dilemma in its diplomatic position between two longstanding nations—India and Pakistan, Dr. Jayatissa acknowledged the good diplomatic relations with both India and Pakistan.

“Both India and Pakistan have helped us from time-to-time, and are due to help us in the future. We maintain good diplomatic relations with both of them. But certain issues are better resolved among themselves,” he said.

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