US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung will depart Sri Lanka on 16 January of this year (2026) after almost four years of service, the US Embassy in Colombo said yesterday.
Ambassador Chung said: “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, which began in February 2022, was marked by several milestones, including the return of US Peace Corps volunteers in 2024. She also oversaw the Embassy’s move to its new Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold–certified facility in October 2022. Under Chung’s leadership, the US Embassy advanced significant initiatives to support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. These included US support for the International Monetary Fund Extended Fund Facility and multiple US Agriculture Department packages to strengthen food security, and most recently in December of last year (2025), US assistance in response to Cyclone Ditwah, providing timely humanitarian support to the affected communities. During her tenure, the Embassy deepened US security cooperation through regional security and disaster response exercises such as Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training, ATLAS ANGEL, and Pacific Angel, alongside a memorandum of understanding between the Montana National Guard and Sri Lanka’s Defense Ministry. She also oversaw the transfer of critical maritime security assets, including a Beechcraft King Air aircraft and two former US Coast Guard vessels.
Under Chung, youth and education programs flourished. American cultural and educational outreach grew through new facilities such as the American Corner in Batticaloa and an English Language Lab in Trincomalee. Programs like the Embassy’s Youth Forum, the Young South Asian Leadership Initiative, and the English Access program continue to empower the next generation of Sri Lankan leaders. Chung also elevated cultural heritage as a component of US engagement in the Indo-Pacific, supporting the conservation of the historic Godawaya shipwreck near Hambantota through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.
The Deputy Chief of Mission Jayne Howell will serve as the Chargé d’Affaires until the arrival of a new US Ambassador.