Business

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, will leave Colombo on January 16 after nearly four years of dedicated service as the top U.S. diplomat in the country, as announced by the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka. Ambassador Chung started her role in Colombo in February 2022. “I have cherished every moment in Sri Lanka,” she said. “From the beginning, I aimed to promote America’s interests—by enhancing our security partnerships, boosting trade and investment, and fostering education and democratic values that strengthen both nations. Together, we have formed a relationship that benefits the American people and supports a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.” During her time, Ambassador Chung celebrated key events, such as the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Sri Lanka in 2023, the return of U.S. Peace Corps volunteers in 2024, and the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program. She also managed the move of the Embassy to its new LEED Gold–certified building in October 2022, demonstrating America's commitment to a sustainable and lasting presence in Sri Lanka and focusing on a modern partnership for the Indo-Pacific's future. Under Ambassador Chung’s guidance, the U.S. Embassy pushed forward important projects to help Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, including support for the IMF Extended Fund Facility and several U.S. Department of Agriculture packages aimed at improving food security. Recently, in December 2025, U.S. aid was provided in response to Cyclone Ditwah, offering crucial humanitarian help to affected communities. Since 2022, the Ambassador has worked with Sri Lankan partners to promote freedom, prosperity, and security across the Indo-Pacific. Her tenure also saw a strengthening of U.S. security cooperation through various regional security and disaster response exercises, such as CARAT, ATLAS ANGEL, and Pacific Angel, along with a Memorandum of Understanding between the Montana National Guard and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defense. She facilitated the transfer of vital maritime security resources, including a Beechcraft King Air aircraft and two former U.S. Coast Guard vessels, enhancing Sri Lanka’s ability to safeguard its extensive maritime territory. Through these initiatives, the Ambassador reinforced U.S. cooperation with Sri Lanka on maritime security, highlighting the U.S. commitment to a partnership based on mutual respect and shared values for stability in the Indo-Pacific. Under her leadership, youth and education programs thrived. The Peace Corps resumed its operations in 2024, and American cultural and educational outreach expanded with the establishment of new facilities like the American Corner in Batticaloa and an English Language Lab in Trincomalee. Programs such as the Embassy’s Youth Forum, the Young South Asian Leadership Initiative (YSALI), and the English Access program continue to empower future Sri Lankan leaders. Ambassador Chung also promoted cultural heritage as part of U.S. engagem...