by Our Correspondent in Colombo
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reportedly halted a high-level defence delegation’s planned visits to Israel, Iran, and Egypt, citing concerns over the complex geopolitical implications such trips could have on Sri Lanka’s foreign relations. The delegation, led by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and comprising senior representatives from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, had been scheduled to visit Israel this week before proceeding to Tehran and Cairo for discussions on potential defence cooperation agreements.
According to reliable sources within the Ministry of Defence, the visit to Israel was expected to focus on advanced training programs, intelligence sharing, and the procurement of modern military technology. Israel has played a significant role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s defence establishment for several decades, particularly during the island’s internal conflict. Through discreet but effective channels, Israel provided vital expertise in counter-insurgency operations, supplied communication and surveillance systems, and helped upgrade Sri Lanka’s aerial and naval capabilities. These partnerships contributed to the development of specialized units and the modernization of the military’s command and control structures. In recent years, Israeli defence firms have also expressed interest in offering unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare solutions, and cyber defence technologies tailored for Sri Lanka’s strategic requirements.
However, the President’s decision to suspend the visit reflects his administration’s cautious stance toward becoming entangled in Middle Eastern rivalries. The subsequent legs of the planned trip — to Iran and Egypt — were also aimed at broadening Sri Lanka’s defence relationships beyond traditional partners. Iran has been a longstanding ally in economic and cultural spheres, and in recent years, Tehran has shown readiness to expand cooperation in areas such as radar technology, drone development, and defence research. Egypt, meanwhile, has sought to engage Colombo through joint naval exercises, military training programs, and defence industry exchanges. Both nations view Sri Lanka as a strategic partner positioned along key maritime routes, offering opportunities for collaboration that align with their regional security objectives.
Meanwhile, sources within the Ministry of Defence disclosed ongoing discussions regarding the potential resale of surplus ammunition through third-party intermediaries. Reports suggest that an African nation expressed interest in purchasing the surplus stock via a private entity based in Colombo. However, the proposal has drawn objections from Chinese and Russian diplomats, who raised concerns over possible breaches of arms transfer regulations and the risk of the munitions reaching conflict zones in Eurasia.
