"Sri Lanka has substantial military ties with Israel. A large section of the Sri Lankan air force consists of Israeli aircraft such as Kfir planes purchased from the Israeli government and a significant part of the Sri Lankan navy consists of Dvora and Shaldag attack craft, which were either purchased from Israel or built under license in Sri Lanka. There were also reports of Israeli missile testing from submarines in Sri Lankan waters.
The Sri Lankan government is reluctant to publicize its military links with Israel for several reasons. Sri Lanka imports all of its oil from the Middle East and it does not want to damage its relations with Muslim countries in the region. Additionally, Muslims residing in Sri Lanka make up 8% of the population, and generally have a negative view of Israel. The current Sri Lankan president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, is pro-Palestinian – there is even a street named after him in the West Bank."
The Sri Lankan government is reluctant to publicize its military links with Israel for several reasons. Sri Lanka imports all of its oil from the Middle East and it does not want to damage its relations with Muslim countries in the region. Additionally, Muslims residing in Sri Lanka make up 8% of the population, and generally have a negative view of Israel. The current Sri Lankan president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, is pro-Palestinian – there is even a street named after him in the West Bank."
