A departing envoy reflects on four defining years in Sri Lanka, revealing how diplomacy, security ties and crisis support reshaped a pivotal US–Sri Lanka partnership.
“From day one, my focus has been to advance America’s interests… and we’ve built a relationship that delivers results for the American people and supports a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific,” US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said as she confirmed she will depart Colombo on January 16, bringing to a close nearly four years as Washington’s top diplomat in the country.
Chung said she had “loved every moment” of her time in Sri Lanka, describing her tenure as one shaped by close engagement, constant crisis management and long term strategic planning. Her work, she said, focused on strengthening security partnerships, expanding trade and investment links, and promoting education and democratic values. These priorities, she noted, helped deepen the US Sri Lanka relationship while contributing to wider regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Appointed in February 2022, Chung’s posting coincided with a turbulent and historic period in Sri Lanka. Her tenure overlapped with several diplomatic milestones, including the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations in 2023, the return of US Peace Corps volunteers in 2024, and celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program. She also oversaw the relocation of the US Embassy to a new LEED Gold certified complex in October 2022, described by officials as a symbol of America’s long term and sustainable commitment to Sri Lanka.
Economic engagement became a defining feature of her mission as Sri Lanka navigated a severe financial crisis. Under her leadership, the United States backed Sri Lanka’s IMF Extended Fund Facility, supported food security through US Department of Agriculture assistance programs, and delivered humanitarian aid following Cyclone Dithwa in December 2025 to communities hit by flooding and displacement.
Security cooperation was also significantly expanded. The embassy deepened military to military ties through regional exercises such as CARAT, ATLAS ANGEL and Pacific Angel. Chung also oversaw a memorandum of understanding between the Montana National Guard and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence, along with the transfer of maritime security assets, including a Beechcraft King Air aircraft and two former US Coast Guard vessels, strengthening Sri Lanka’s maritime domain awareness.
Youth engagement and education initiatives grew steadily during her tenure. The Peace Corps officially resumed operations in 2024, while new US supported facilities opened in Batticaloa and Trincomalee. Programs such as the Embassy Youth Forum, the Young South Asian Leadership Initiative and the English Access program were highlighted as key platforms for empowering young Sri Lankans.
Chung also placed emphasis on cultural heritage preservation, supporting conservation work on the historic Godawaya shipwreck near Hambantota through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. US officials said these efforts reflected a commitment to shared history alongside strategic cooperation.
As she prepares to leave Sri Lanka, the United States says it remains committed to building on the foundation established during her tenure. Deputy Chief of Mission Jayne Howell will serve as Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., until a new US ambassador arrives in Colombo.
