“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,” U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said as she confirmed she will depart Colombo on January 16, concluding almost 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 centred on strengthening security partnerships, expanding trade and investment, and promoting education and democratic values. She said these priorities helped forge a closer U.S.–Sri Lanka relationship while reinforcing regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Appointed in February 2022, Chung’s tenure coincided with several diplomatic milestones, including the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations in 2023, the return of U.S. Peace Corps volunteers in 2024, and celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program. She also oversaw the U.S. Embassy’s move to a new LEED Gold–certified complex in October 2022, which officials described as a symbol of America’s long-term, sustainable commitment to Sri Lanka.
Economic engagement featured prominently during her posting, particularly as Sri Lanka navigated a severe financial crisis. Under her leadership, the U.S. backed Sri Lanka’s IMF Extended Fund Facility, supported food security through U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance packages, and provided humanitarian aid following Cyclone Ditwah in December 2025 to communities affected by the disaster.
Security cooperation was also expanded, with the embassy deepening military-to-military ties through regional exercises such as CARAT, ATLAS ANGEL and Pacific Angel. Chung oversaw a memorandum of understanding between the Montana National Guard and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence, as well as the transfer of maritime security assets, including a Beechcraft King Air aircraft and two former U.S. Coast Guard vessels, aimed at enhancing Sri Lanka’s ability to protect its maritime domain.
Youth engagement and education initiatives grew during her tenure, with the Peace Corps officially resuming operations in 2024 and new U.S.-supported facilities opening 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 promoted cultural heritage preservation as part of U.S. engagement, supporting conservation work on the historic Godawaya shipwreck near Hambantota through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. U.S. officials said these efforts underscored a broader commitment to shared history alongside strategic cooperation.
As Chung prepares to leave Sri Lanka, the United States said it remains committed to building on the strong foundation established during her tenure. Deputy Chief of Mission Jayne Howell will serve as Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., until a new U.S. ambassador arrives in Colombo.
