Responding to questions from journalists amid heightened tensions involving Iran, United States and Israel, Jayatissa said the Government would maintain its neutral stance and would not be drawn into commenting on the envoy’s statement.
“We will continue as a neutral nation. Protecting our neutrality, we will do all that we can. I am not prepared to respond to his comments. If necessary, the Foreign Ministry will do so,” he said.
He clarified that the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy had extended only a general and customary invitation to counterparts during a recent naval engagement held in Visakhapatnam, India.
“The Naval Commander extended a cordial invitation to fellow naval commanders, as is standard practice. On February 29, Iran requested a goodwill visit from March 9 to 13. That is the extent of it. There was no formal diplomatic invitation,” Jayatissa said.
