How did Julie Chung shape US-Sri Lanka relations amid turbulence?

By Shihar Aneez

COLOMBO – As Julie Chung, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, prepares to depart Sri Lanka on Friday (16) after nearly four years, her tenure stands out as one of the most active and influential in recent diplomatic history.

Arriving in February 2022, just as Sri Lanka plunged into its worst economic crisis since independence, Chung navigated a landscape of protests, political upheaval, and recovery efforts.

Her approach blended high-level engagements, public diplomacy, and grassroots outreach, often sparking debate about the extent of US influence on Sri Lankan policies.

While critics accused her of overreach, supporters praised her for fostering stability and countering foreign influences.

Active Engagements

Chung’s diplomacy was characterized by her unrestricted access and frequent meetings with Sri Lanka’s political elite, civil society, and business leaders.

From the outset, she met with figures across the spectrum, including then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, and opposition leaders like Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP).

In May 2022, amid the economic crisis, she discussed reforms with economists and policy experts, emphasizing sustainable growth.

Her meetings extended to post-2024 election figures, such as President Dissanayake, where she advocated for maritime cooperation and economic priorities.

This freedom allowed her to influence policy dialogues directly.

For instance, in 2023, she engaged with the Election Commission, drawing criticism for potential electoral interference.

In December 2025, she met with the Science and Technology Advisor to discuss AI and digitalization, pushing for US tech investments.

Her approach contrasted with more reserved predecessors, enabling her to advocate for US interests like International Monetary Fund (IMF) reforms and debt restructuring, which Sri Lanka pursued amid creditor assurances from the US and others.

Mediation in Aragalaya

The 2022 Aragalaya (Struggle) protests, sparked by economic hardships, marked Chung’s early involvement.

She publicly supported peaceful demonstrations via social media, tweeting in April 2022 that “Sri Lankans have a right to protest peacefully”.

Sources suggest her pressure on Gotabaya helped prevent harsher suppression, contributing to the movement’s success in ousting the Rajapaksa government.

Chung met with AKD in May 2022 to discuss the crisis, aligning with US calls for democratic expression.

Her mediation extended to condemning the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) arrests of protesters in August 2022, urging adherence to human rights standards.

This positioned the US as a defender of freedoms, influencing the government’s response and fostering ties with emerging leaders like the JVP/NPP, which later gained power.

Neutralizing Anti-US Sentiment

Anti-American feelings, fuelled by perceptions of US interference during the former president Maithripala Sirisena era, were prevalent when Chung arrived.

She countered this through aid and public engagement.

In 2022, the US provided $20 million in humanitarian assistance, plus $150 million for private initiatives and $80 million for renewables, dispelling notions of withheld support.

Chung highlighted these in the media, emphasizing partnership over dominance.

By 2026, initiatives like the return of the Peace Corps in 2024 and educational programs had softened sentiments.

Her response to Cyclone Ditwah in December 2025, including $2 million in aid and airlifts, had helped the US image.

Chung also addressed misinformation, meeting digital creators in 2022 to promote truthful narratives.

Mattala Airport Venture

Chung’s influence was evident in the cancellation of a Russia-India joint venture for managing Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.

Proposed under the previous government, the deal with Shaurya Aeronautics (India) and Airports of Regions (Russia) faced legal hurdles and US concerns over Russian involvement amid sanctions.

Critics allege Chung “indoctrinated” the NPP on Russia, weakening ties with Moscow and Beijing.

The new NPP government in 2025 cancelled it, exploring alternatives, aligning with US preferences for non-Russian partnerships in strategic infrastructure.

Criticism

Chung faced backlash from then-President Wickremesinghe over her criticism of the July 2022 raid on Galle Face protesters.

She condemned the violence, drawing parallels to US events like the Capitol riot.

Wickremesinghe retorted by urging her to “read your own history”, accusing diplomats of biased coverage.

This exchange highlighted tensions, with Wickremesinghe defending tactics similar to US security measures while Chung emphasized peaceful protest rights.

Grassroots Engagement

Chung’s outreach extended deeply into communities.

She visited many places in Sri Lanka which had never been visited by her predecessors and listened to diverse views.

In Sri Lanka, she engaged youth through forums like the Young South Asian Leadership Initiative and English programs.

Her participation in events like the Women Organized for Inclusion conference in 2024 empowered local leaders. Post-cyclone, she unloaded aid with the Air Force, symbolizing hands-on support.

This built trust at the local level, from Batticaloa’s American Corner to Trincomalee’s labs.

Expressions of Love

Chung frequently expressed affection for Sri Lanka, climbing Adam’s Peak with a backpack like locals and praising its spirit.

In her farewell, she stated, “I have loved every moment of my time in Sri Lanka”.

Her most symbolic act was tattooing Sri Lanka’s map on her leg in 2025, sparking debate but underscoring her attachment.

She honoured cultural icons like Latha Walpola and celebrated milestones like the 75th anniversary of ties.

Reshaping US Narrative

Chung masterfully used X (formerly Twitter) to humanize US diplomacy, amassing nearly 100,000 followers.

She announced aid, like $6 million for vulnerable communities in 2022, and promoted renewables.

Tweets on Aragalaya supported democracy, while cyclone updates highlighted partnerships.

By engaging influencers and condemning PTA misuse, she shifted perceptions from “interference” to “support”.

Her posts on US helicopters and tech aid in 2026 emphasized collaboration.

Chung’s departure marks the end of a transformative era.

Her interventions helped stabilize Sri Lanka amid crises but raised questions about sovereignty.

As she leaves, the US-Sri Lanka partnership, bolstered by her efforts, faces new challenges in a multipolar Indo-Pacific.

-economynext.com