Saturday, 17 January 2026 01:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
As she prepares to depart Colombo after nearly four years, outgoing United States Ambassador Julie Chung struck a warm but forward-looking note, reflecting on a tenure marked by deepened economic ties, stronger security cooperation and sustained US engagement during Sri Lanka’s most severe economic crisis, while expressing confidence that the bilateral partnership will continue to expand across trade, investment and strategic cooperation in the years ahead. “It has been a privilege serving these last four years as US Ambassador to Sri Lanka. As I prepare to depart, I’m grateful to everyone who followed and engaged in advancing the US–Sri Lanka relationship during my time here,” Ambassador Jung said in a post on X which included a warm video farewell message to Sri Lanka.
Here video statement is as follows: “Hello my dear Sri Lankan friends and colleagues. As I prepare to leave Sri Lanka after nearly four years, I’m proud of the results we delivered. Together with Sri Lankans across the country, we strengthened security cooperation, expanded economic ties, and reinforced a partnership that makes both the United States and Sri Lanka safer and stronger. I depart knowing the Sri Lankan relationship rooted in our shared history and democratic principles will remain vital in the Indo-Pacific. When I arrived in 2022, Sri Lanka was navigating a significant economic and political crisis. What I found, however, was a nation determined to move forward in this crucial moment that the United States stood firmly alongside the Sri Lankan people, supporting stability, recovery, and a stronger partnership for the future. Together, we marked the 75th anniversary of US-Sri Lankan relations, and today, after 77 years of progress and shared challenges, our relationship continues to grow. Serving here as Ambassador has been one of the great honours and blessings of my life. Everything we’ve done together, from strengthening security and port infrastructure to supporting key programs, has helped protect American interests while building a strong partnership with Sri Lanka. So to the people of this beautiful island, thank you. Your art, stories, resilience, and spirit will always stay with me. As I say farewell, I leave proud of what we accomplished and confident of what comes next. There’s something truly magical about Sri Lanka. Thank you, Sri Lanka”.
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