Prospect of ‘spaceport’ on Sri Lanka’s east coast
by Neville Ladduwahetty The Communist Party of Sri Lanka has warned that ‘Israel and other foreign powers are planning to establish “spaceports” on Sri Lanka’s East Coast’ and claimed ‘the NPP government is getting involved in US space domain activities’ (The Island, October 29, 2026). Whether these warnings warrant serious consideration or not, certain immutable […]
The Communist Party of Sri Lanka has cautioned that the United States and other foreign entities may be attempting to set up "spaceports" along Sri Lanka's eastern coastline, potentially in collaboration with the National People's Party (NPP) government, according to a report by The Island (October 29, 2026). While the validity of these assertions is yet to be determined, it is crucial to acknowledge some fundamental truths regarding Sri Lanka's policy of maintaining neutrality.
A key aspect of this government's approach is that it considers its foreign policy of neutrality to encompass three areas: the nation's territory, its territorial waters, and its national airspace. Consequently, Sri Lanka's national territory, including its territorial waters and airspace, is deemed non-negotiable. This stance was consistently upheld during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, where the US requested permission to land two aircraft; the government, however, denied the request on the grounds of neutrality.
In light of these principles, any government officers—whether military or civilian—participating in discussions that could potentially infringe upon the principles of neutrality is considered a breach of the government's neutral policy, as reiterated by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. Therefore, any talks concerning the establishment of "spaceports" on Sri Lanka's eastern coast should be considered off-limits.
According to an ICRC publication on neutrality from 2022, the principle of inviolability stipulates that a neutral state's territory is protected and that any act of hostility within this territory is strictly prohibited. The neutral status entails specific rights and duties, such as non-participation and impartiality. Neutral space also includes the national territory, territorial waters, and national airspace.
Any violation of this neutral space, whether intentional or accidental, must be addressed using force if necessary to maintain the neutral state's integrity.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
