US Envoy hails enduring partnership with Sri Lanka at 249th Independence Day address

US Ambassador Julie Chung

• Ambassador Julie Chung highlights over seven decades of resilient ties with Sri Lanka at reception under ‘Great American Road Trip’ theme
• Recalls early American visitors to Sri Lanka; stresses people-to-people connections as heart of the relationship
• Describes US-Sri Lanka partnership as journey overcoming challenges, with strong gains in security, trade and education
• Highlights Peace Corps, American English teachers and mobile ‘US-BUS’ program bringing culture and education across Sri Lanka
• Praises US-Sri Lanka business partnerships via AmCham and The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce for promoting trade and investment
• Invokes Patrick Henry’s spirit of liberty, linking it to America’s enduring democratic values
• References ‘new and radiant golden age’ of opportunity and pride, as described by President Trump
• Assures commitment to build future of freedom and shared progress with Sri Lanka

By Charumini de Silva 

As the United States marks its 249th Independence Day this Friday, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung underscored the depth and resilience of ties between Washington and Colombo, celebrating a journey of mutual respect and shared challenges and goals stretching back over seven decades. 

Speaking at the Embassy’s Independence Day reception hosted last week at Cinnamon Life, under the banner ‘Great American Road Trip,’ she attempted bringing the same spirit right here to Sri Lanka, where Americans and Sri Lankans have journeyed together for centuries, from early American visitors like Mark Twain, Henry Steel Olcott, and Harriett Winslow, on a road paved with mutual respect and deep friendship.

“Together, we’ve strengthened global security, expanded educational ties, created economic opportunities, promoted regional stability, and supported safer, more open sea lanes vital to global trade,” she said.

With the US looking ahead to its 250th Independence Day in 2026, Chung disclosed that festivities titled ‘America 250’ were already underway, capturing the enduring spirit of liberty since 1776. “What better way to celebrate America’s independence than by sharing with all of you just a few examples of our awe-inspiring landscapes, our rich cultural heritage, and the spirit of exploration and adventure that has defined the United States since 1776,” she added.

The Ambassador likened the American tradition of family road trips—a rite of passage spanning sun-soaked beaches of California to the red rocks of the Southwest desert, from the rolling Midwestern farmlands to bustling East Coast cities—to the long and bumpy road travelled by the US-Sri Lanka relationship. 

“The American road trip has long been a symbol of freedom—a chance to explore—often off the main highways, to connect with people throughout our heartland, and to discover the stories that unite us. For over 76 years, the United States and Sri Lanka have travelled a long road together—facing challenges, supporting each other’s progress, and making steady strides toward shared goals,” she noted. 

Reflecting on her own childhood family trips in a Dodge van packed with camping gear, roadside diners, battling flat tires and sibling disputes, the Ambassador drew a parallel with the joint resilience of the US and Sri Lanka. “Every good road trip also includes some bumps or flat tires along the way,” she said, stressing that what matters most is how shared problem-solving remains key to sustaining partnerships and responding together to setbacks. 

The US Ambassador asserted people-to-people ties as the ‘true heart’ beyond traditional diplomacy. “What makes the US-Sri Lanka relationship truly special isn’t just the work between our Governments—it’s the people-to-people connections that have brought our journey to life,” she added. 

Chung also noted that the US-Sri Lanka journey has yielded tangible gains in security and prosperity. 

She praised the Peace Corps volunteers and American English teachers learning Sinhala and Tamil as well as the launch of the ‘US-BUS,’ a model American Space that travels Sri Lanka for 18 months to bring language classes, film screenings, Virtual Reality experiences, and cultural programs to more communities beyond the reach of their existing American Spaces.

“I am so proud of what the US and Sri Lanka have achieved together,” she said.

Highlighting the visit last year by US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) Commander Admiral Sam Paparo and the gifting of an advanced Beechcraft KingAir maritime patrol aircraft, she pointed to the growing maritime cooperation and shared commitment to a more secure Indian Ocean region. “Our security partnership with Sri Lanka is stronger than ever,” the Ambassador said.

She also recognised the strength of US-Sri Lanka economic partnerships and credited AmCham, the Sri Lanka-USA Business Council, and The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce for advancing balanced trade, deepening commercial ties, and building prosperity for both countries.

The US Ambassador referred to the legacy of Patrick Henry—a son of the American frontier, the first governor of Virginia, and an unflinching advocate for liberty—whose courage helped launch the fight for American independence, and his legacy reminds all that the spirit of 1776 lives on. 

She suggested that America is on the threshold of what President Trump has called a ‘new and radiant golden age’—an era of renewed purpose, opportunity, and pride.

“The true power of our journey lies not only in where we’ve been, but in where we’re headed. Just as we have throughout our history, we look forward to continuing that journey with partners like Sri Lanka by our side—building together a future rooted in freedom, dignity, and shared progress,” Chung said. 

The event saw top Government officials, Members of the Parliament, businessman, media, and other dignitaries in attendance.