American volunteers make a historic return to Northern Sri Lanka, bridging communities through language and friendship after decades.
In a significant expansion of its mission, the U.S. Peace Corps has deployed twenty-three new volunteers to Northern Sri Lanka, marking the program’s first return to the region in decades. The official swearing-in ceremony in Vavuniya witnessed U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung and Peace Corps Sri Lanka Country Director Jeffrey Goveia administering the Pledge of Service. The event, attended by Nimali Baduraliya from the Ministry of Education, represents a major milestone for international educational cooperation and the deepening of US-Sri Lanka relations. This strategic expansion moves beyond existing placements in the Uva and Central Provinces, reestablishing a people-to-people bridge to the Northern and North Central Provinces for the first time in many years.
The spirit of cross-cultural service and partnership was a central theme. In her virtual remarks, U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung highlighted the enduring friendship between the nations. “Today we celebrate service, partnership, and the enduring friendship between the people of Sri Lanka and the United States. Since 1962, nearly six hundred Peace Corps Volunteers have served here, creating a living bridge between our nations. As English Volunteers, you will help open doors to education and opportunity. And by learning Sinhala or Tamil and participating in community life, you honor the people you will serve…You represent the United States not as officials, but as lower-case ‘a’ ambassadors of the American people. The kindness you show, the curiosity you bring, and the respect you offer will speak more loudly than any policy ever could.”
The government of Sri Lanka offered a warm official welcome. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, in a statement delivered by Nimali Baduraliya, recognized the important contribution these volunteers will make to national English education goals. “I extend my congratulations and gratitude to the new batch of 23 United States Peace Corps Volunteers who are being sworn in today and beginning their two year service in Sri Lanka to strengthen English language education in Sri Lanka, Your decision to dedicate your time and skills and compassion to our communities is deeply appreciated by the Government and the people of Sri Lanka.”
Jeffrey Goveia, the Country Director, emphasized the collaborative foundation of this English education initiative. “Peace Corps’ partnership with the Ministry is the foundation that makes our work possible, and we are grateful for the Ministry’s long-standing collaboration. We are here at the Ministry’s invitation and aligned with its commitment to strengthen English language learning across Sri Lanka. The Pledge of Service reflects that shared purpose. Our Volunteers serve not as experts, but as partners working shoulder-to-shoulder with teachers, students, and communities to support the Ministry’s goals.”
This cohort underwent a comprehensive 12-week pre-service training to prepare for their community integration and teaching roles. Their preparation included intensive study of either Sinhala or Tamil, cross-cultural workshops, and hands-on teaching practice in local schools near Vavuniya. This foundational training is crucial for their success as co-teachers and community members. Beyond classroom support, their service will include leading English camps during school breaks and collaborating with Regional English Support Centers to provide teacher training and develop new educational resources, creating a sustainable impact on the country’s English language capacity.
The deployment of these 23 volunteers is a key part of the Peace Corps Sri Lanka expansion strategy. They will now travel to schools across the Northern and North Central Provinces, deepening the program’s engagement with diverse Sri Lankan communities. Over a two-year service period, they will co-teach English, participate fully in community life, and support education initiatives led by local partners. This new cohort brings the total number of active Peace Corps Volunteers in Sri Lanka to 53, joining those already serving in other provinces. The return of the Peace Corps to Sri Lanka in 2018, after departing in 1998, underscores a renewed and strengthened bilateral partnership focused on education and cultural exchange, continuing a legacy that has seen nearly 600 Americans serve in the country since 1962.
