The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung will leave the island nation on January 16 after almost four years, as her tenure in Colombo ends.
“I have loved every moment of my time in Sri Lanka,” Chung said in a statement. “From day one, my focus has been to advance America’s interests—strengthening our security partnerships, expanding trade and investment, and promoting education and democratic values that make both our nations stronger.
“Together, we’ve built a relationship that delivers results for the American people and supports a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.”
Chung’s tenure began in February 2022.
She was here during the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Sri Lanka in 2023, the return of US Peace Corps volunteers in 2024, and the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program.
She oversaw the Embassy’s move to its new facility in October 2022.
Under Chung, the US Embassy advanced initiatives to support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, including US support for the IMF Extended Fund Facility and multiple US Department of Agriculture packages.
Deputy Chief of Mission Jayne Howell will serve as Chargé d’Affaires, until the arrival of a new US Ambassador.