U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung will depart the country on January 16, bringing to an end nearly four years as Washington’s top diplomat in Colombo, the U.S. Embassy has announced.
Reflecting on her time in Sri Lanka, Ambassador Chung said she valued every moment of her tenure, noting that her focus from the outset was to advance U.S. interests by strengthening security cooperation, expanding trade and investment, and promoting education and democratic values. She said these efforts helped build a partnership that delivers tangible benefits to both nations and supports a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.
Following her departure, Deputy Chief of Mission Jayne Howell will serve as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim until a new U.S. Ambassador is appointed.
In a statement, the U.S. Embassy highlighted several key milestones during Ambassador Chung’s tenure, which began in February 2022. These include the celebration of 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 oversaw the Embassy’s relocation to its new LEED Gold–certified facility in October 2022, underscoring the U.S. commitment to a sustainable and long-term presence in Sri Lanka.
Under her leadership, the Embassy played a significant role in supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, including backing for the IMF Extended Fund Facility, U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance to enhance food security, and humanitarian aid provided in December 2025 following Cyclone Ditwah.
The Embassy further noted that Ambassador Chung strengthened security cooperation through regional exercises such as CARAT, ATLAS ANGEL, and Pacific Angel, and facilitated enhanced defence ties, including an agreement between the Montana National Guard and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence. During her tenure, Sri Lanka also received key maritime security assets from the United States, including a Beechcraft King Air aircraft and two former U.S. Coast Guard vessels.
Youth and education initiatives expanded significantly during this period, with the Peace Corps resuming operations in 2024 and new educational facilities such as the American Corner in Batticaloa and an English Language Lab in Trincomalee being established. Programs including the Youth Forum, Young South Asian Leadership Initiative (YSALI), and the English Access program continued to support young Sri Lankan leaders.
Ambassador Chung also promoted cultural heritage preservation, including support for conserving the historic Godawaya shipwreck near Hambantota through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.
The U.S. Embassy reaffirmed that the United States remains committed to its partnership with Sri Lanka and will continue to work closely with the government and people of the country, building on the strong foundation laid during Ambassador Chung’s tenure.
