Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to strengthening U.S.–Sri Lanka relations during her nearly four-year tenure. In a farewell message shared on X (formerly Twitter), she commended the Sri Lankan people for their resilience and determination amid challenging times.

Ambassador Chung reflected on the achievements of her service, highlighting key areas of cooperation, including enhanced security collaboration, expanded economic ties, and joint efforts to foster stability and development.

She emphasized that the partnership, rooted in shared democratic values and history, remains vital in the Indo-Pacific region.

Arriving in Sri Lanka in 2022, Ambassador Chung noted witnessing the country navigate significant economic and political crises. She praised the resilience of the Sri Lankan people and reaffirmed U.S. support for their efforts toward recovery and stability.

In her farewell remarks, she expressed personal admiration for Sri Lanka’s art, stories, and spirit, stating, “There’s something truly magical about Sri Lanka.” She concluded by saying, “As I say farewell, I leave proud of what we accomplished and confident of what comes next.”

Ambassador Chung, who began her diplomatic mission in Colombo in February 2022, departed on January 16, marking the end of her dedicated service as the top U.S. diplomat in Sri Lanka.