Ali Sabry on US aircraft request- “I m proud the President had the courage to do what is right”

Sri Lanka's former Justice Minister Ali Sabry has praised the government's choice to remain neutral by rejecting a US request for aircraft to land at Sri Lankan airports in early March. In an exclusive interview with India Today, Sabry showed strong backing for this decision, saying, “I’m proud that the President had the courage and foresight to do what is right.” He underscored that this choice reflects Sri Lanka's "ferociously independent" foreign policy. Sabry pointed out that being a small nation means Sri Lanka cannot afford to get entangled in the disputes of powerful countries. “We shouldn’t get involved in any of the conflicts. Small countries cannot take sides… these are not choices which we have made. Why should we get dragged into it?” The former minister also discussed the tough conditions facing Sri Lankans, connecting global unrest to local shortages. He noted that small nations struggle during conflicts, as evidenced by the current LPG gas shortages and the rationing of fuel to 15 litres per week in Sri Lanka. Regarding the security of the Indian Ocean, Sabry called for a “Zone of Peace” without external military tension. He emphasized the need for stronger cooperation among neighboring states, specifically mentioning that India should play a key role in promoting regional stability and fostering a “blue economy” that benefits all countries in the area.