As a Permanent Observer Sri Lanka joined the 55th Regular session of the General Assembly Organization of American States (OAS) under the theme “Building Resilient, Inclusive Economies in the Americas”, in accordance with the OAS General Assembly Resolution titled “Strengthening the participation of the Permanent Observers in the Activities of the OAS” in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda from 25 to 27 June 2025.
As the principal multilateral forum for the Latin American and Caribbean region, the OAS offers a unique platform for Sri Lanka as a Permanent Observer to engage constructively with the countries of the Latin America and the Caribbean region or the Western hemisphere, strengthen interregional dialogue, and foster mutual understanding and cooperation. Further, the OAS presence with national offices in the entire Hemisphere allows Permanent Observers to interact at the local level through their Embassies.
Sri Lanka became a Permanent Observer to the OAS in February 1996. Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States, Mahinda Samarasinghe, who is concurrently accredited to Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago, presented his letters of credence to Secretary-General of the OAS Ambassador Luis Almagro, on 28 October 2022, at the OAS Headquarters in Washington DC, as first Permanent observer of Sri Lanka to the OAS.
Counsellor/Deputy Permanent Observer Chathuri Perera of Sri Lanka Embassy in USA and Permanent Mission to the OAS, represented Sri Lanka at the 55th Regular session of the General Assembly OAS in Antigua and Barbuda.
In its’ statement to the General Assembly, the Government of Sri Lanka appreciated the Legislative Assistance and Counter Terrorism Financing Program provides technical assistance to OAS member states to develop and approve the necessary legislation to effectively counter terrorism and its financing. It also highlighted Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery, supported by the IMF reform programme, recent public finance reforms, the establishment of a Public Debt Management Office, and the enactment of a new Central Bank Act etc.
Further, the statement noted the launch of Sri Lanka’s “National Policy Framework – A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life” in early 2025, which outlines strategic development directions and medium-term priorities. By 2028, Sri Lanka aims to establish a stable, self-reliant economy capable of independently meeting its external debt obligations underscoring its broader goal of restoring national sovereignty through economic resilience.
It added that the new government of Sri Lanka has pledged to pursue a policy that would ensure that development efforts go hand in hand with genuine measures at reconciliation among the different communities, which in turn would lead to sustainable peace and development of the nation.
Sri Lanka also reiterated its steadfast commitment to working collaboratively with the OAS and its Member States to advance the shared objective of building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable societies across the hemisphere and beyond.
During the 55th General Assembly, member states of OAS discussed the central theme, proposed by Antigua and Barbuda, seeking to promote economic resilience in the face of challenges such as health emergencies, financial crises, or natural disasters, while fostering a type of growth that benefits all population groups across the continent.
Currently, 34 independent states of the Americas are members of the OAS and it has 75 Permanent Observers.
The Assembly was inaugurated by Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne and brought together over 30 Foreign/Vice Ministers and over 1000 delegates including representatives from civil society organizations, social sectors, labour organizations, private sector entities, and international organizations, regional or sub-regional intergovernmental entities.
On sidelines of the 55th General Assembly, Counsellor and Deputy Permanent Observer Chathuri Perera discussed with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Barbuda Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, E.P. Chet Greene, on 25 June 2025 on early finalization of establishment of formal Diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Antigua and Barbuda.
Sri Lanka Embassy in USA &
Permanent Mission to the Organization of American States (OAS)
Washington, D.C.
09 July 2025
