We can’t say “not our war” View(s):On Friday, the Iranians targeted the US military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, firing two long-range missiles; one was shot down, the other landing in the sea. The war in West Asia has turned that formula on its head, forcing Sri Lanka, like other countries, to suspend the tender procedure. Treaty provisions put in to protect the interests of countries like Sri Lanka will be worthless, even as these same conventions and treaties are liberally used against Sri Lanka by the big superpowers, or parties at war, when it suits them. Sri Lanka’s neutrality need not be a ‘passive’ neutrality. It was an active player on the world stage, especially in maritime affairs, and it must continue to play that role.

Source: Sunday Times March 22, 2026 01:37 UTC