Press Release
Joint Formal Announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda / Saint John’s
On October 3rd, 2025
and
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka / Colombo
Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between
Antigua and Barbuda and Sri Lanka
Upon the signing of Agreement by H.E. Sir Ronald Sanders, Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to United States of America and H.E. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States of America on October 3rd, 2025, in Washington D.C, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Government of Sri Lanka have established Diplomatic Relations between the two countries with immediate effect.
The establishment of diplomatic ties between Antigua and Barbuda and Sri Lanka will enhance the existing friendly relations and cooperation in the political, socio-economic and cultural spheres for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
Sri Lanka and Antigua and Barbuda are both Commonwealth Countries. Sri Lanka hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2013 and Antigua and Barbuda will host the gathering of 56 nations in 2026.
Ambassador Sanders said that “Antigua and Barbuda and Sri Lanka can work together to ensure the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting is a success for the Organization and all member states”. He added that “prior to the Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, Prime Minister Gaston Browne is working toward establishing diplomatic relations and visa waiver agreements with as many Commonwealth countries with which such arrangements do not already exist”. This will not only make travel between Commonwealth countries easier, it will also strengthen the value of the Antigua and Barbuda passport.
