October 04, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has formally entered into diplomatic relations with the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda, marking a new chapter in its international engagement strategy.
The agreement, which took immediate effect upon signing, was concluded on Friday in Washington D.C.
Representing their respective countries, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States, Mahinda Samarasinghe, and Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador, Sir Ronald Sanders, officiated the signing of the accord.
The move reflects both nations’ shared interest in strengthening their global partnerships and broadening the scope of bilateral cooperation.
The establishment of diplomatic ties is expected to pave the way for deeper engagement across multiple fronts—including political dialogue, trade and investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange.
It also provides a platform for both countries to collaborate more closely in multilateral forums, particularly on global issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and maritime affairs, where small and developing nations often share common ground.
This new diplomatic relationship highlights Sri Lanka’s efforts to diversify its international partnerships beyond traditional regional alignments, with a strategic connection to South Asia being offered to Antigua and Barbuda.
Officials from both governments have welcomed the agreement as a mutually beneficial step that reflects a spirit of friendship and shared values.
Future engagements between Colombo and St. John’s are likely to include the exchange of high-level visits and collaborative programmes aimed at building stronger institutional and people-to-people links.
