Sri Lanka Embassy in Washington DC marks the 250th Anniversary of US Independence with commemorative book on bilateral ties By Rajika Jayatilake Giving life to the compelling comments of the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, on the 250th US Independence Day on July 4, 2026, “As fellow champions of democracy and freedom, our friendship thrives on [...]
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Giving life to the compelling comments of the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, on the 250th US Independence Day on July 4, 2026, “As fellow champions of democracy and freedom, our friendship thrives on mutual respect and the incredible potential of our people,” Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the US, Mahinda Samarasinghe, presented the first copy of a commemorative coffee table book titled Enduring Friendship , to Allison Hooker, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs at a presentation ceremony at the State Department.
The publication chronicles over two centuries of human encounters between the people of the US and Sri Lanka, extending beyond the years of diplomatic ties established on October 29, 1948. The publication is a testimonial to the fact that although official diplomatic relations mark a legal and political milestone, it is not the actual beginning of contact between two sets of peoples.
Ambassador to the USA, Mahinda Samarasinghe, presented the first copy of the book to Allison Hooker, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs
The ambassador said, “It is an effort to document the friendship the US has offered Sri Lanka over the years, and to express our grateful thanks.” He said he would like to see the book published in Sinhala and Tamil, to extend its reach beyond a diplomatic audience in Washington to readers in Sri Lanka, so they would understand and appreciate US contribution to uplift the lives of the people of Sri Lanka.
Under Secretary Allison Hooker said in a social media post: “Met with Sri Lanka Ambassador Samarasinghe to discuss strengthening our commercial ties and maritime security cooperation. Grateful for his leadership during a consequential period in US-Sri Lanka relations.”
The ambassador said he handled the publication without any financial contribution from the Sri Lanka government.
Sri Lanka’s President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his message in the publication, says: “Sri Lanka deeply values its longstanding friendship and multifaceted cooperation with the United States of America. This decades-long partnership, built on mutual respect and shared values, continues to flourish across multiple spheres, including political, economic, defense, and cultural exchanges.” Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya added: “This milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable progress achieved over the years, as well as on the growing strength of the bilateral partnership between our two countries.” Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said: “Over the years, the bilateral cooperation between the two countries has transcended to multifaceted spheres, contributing to the prosperity of the two peoples and delivering tangible outcomes.”
The volume traces the two countries’ long-standing friendship, with a section on early encounters, a section on official relations and bilateral cooperation, a section on US assistance to Sri Lanka over the years, and a section on Lankan Americans and their contribution to the American way of life.
The publication, by reframing the relationship’s timeline with focus on trade, missionary work, scientific exchange, and societal connections between Americans and Lankans centuries before formal ties, shifts the narrative from “two strangers who recently met” to “two peoples who have quietly known each other a long time.” This positive focus on a generally hidden angle to US-Sri Lanka bilateral ties, points to a relationship with organic roots rather than being purely transactional or geopolitically convenient.
A tangible, visual artifact like a coffee table book rich in photographs and historical narrative marking an important milestone in the history of the US like its 250th year of Independence, reinforces goodwill between allies. This gesture from Sri Lanka underscores its positioning itself as a steady, dependable, long-term partner to Washington, at a moment when the US is highlighting its history and international relationships more broadly. US policy toward Sri Lanka centres on supporting the country’s democratic institutions, encouraging economic development, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region, alongside cooperation on maritime security and counterterrorism.
The ambassador’s tentative plans for Sinhala and Tamil editions of this commemorative publication suggest the book is intended to be a diplomatic keepsake in Washington, and a piece of vital public diplomacy for domestic audiences back home, reminding Sri Lanka citizens of the depth and history of the US-Sri Lanka relationship, and its importance in the lives of regular people.
The publication keeps the momentum through its 70 colourful pages, ending with a compelling statement, “The relationship between Sri Lanka and the United States is one of the great quiet friendships of the modern era – built not on treaties alone, but on the movements of scholars, the labour of traders, and prayers of missionaries, the courage of peacemakers and the dreams of million.”
Following nearly 5 years as Sri Lanka’s ambassador to the US, Mahinda Samarasinghe will be leaving Washington DC in the coming days, having strengthened bilateral ties through renewed understanding and goodwill.
Print Edition – The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka
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