Sri Lanka declined ground access to two US combat aircraft, president says - Reuters

Sri Lanka's president said the country denied landing rights to two U.S. combat aircraft, according to Reuters reporting. The decision represents a rare rejection of American military access to the Indian Ocean island nation, which has historically maintained close defense ties with the United States. Sri Lanka's move suggests possible friction in the bilateral relationship, though the specific reason for the denial was not detailed in the president's statement. The incident underscores broader geopolitical tensions in South Asia, where major powers compete for influence and military positioning. The refusal could signal Sri Lanka's attempt to balance its relationships between the U.S. and other regional powers, including China and India.