Middle East conflict:Some countries have sought permission to use Lankan ports for military purposes - Sajith

By Yohan Perera

We have information that some countries have sought permission to use Sri Lankan ports for military purposes, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said yesterday.   

Issuing a special statement on the repercussions of the ongoing Middle East war, the Opposition Leader stated that the government should inform the nation on what it intends to do in such a situation. The government should make a statement on the latest developments, he added   

Referring to the threat by Houthi rebels of Yeman who joined the ongoing Middle East war on Saturday to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the narrow sea corridor that connects the Gulf of Aden with the Red Sea, Premadasa warned that it could directly affect Sri Lanka.   

“Bab al-Mandab Strait is a trade artery where 25,000 ships pass through annually. Sri Lankan ports could also be affected if there is a maritime shift where ships decide on alternate routes,” he added.   

“Also, the development in the Bab al-Mandab Strait could result in militarization of the Indian Ocean as well. We have information that some countries have already sought permission to use Sri Lankan ports for military purposes. The government should inform the nation on what it intends to do in the given situation,” he also said.   

Mr. Premadasa said this escalation of the Middle East conflict could increase Sri Lanka’s import expenditure and reduce export margins. “The increase of war risk premium could increase cost of essential goods causing cost-push inflation in Sri Lanka,” he said.