Chung underscores role of Rotary in bridging gap between US and Sri Lanka

Rotary Presidents L to R Abbayan Vinodhan, Hiran Senewiratne, Crysantha Perera, Ambassador H.E Julie Chung

Rotary Governor Sushena Ranatunga, Micheal Jayawadana, Nimal Ratnayake, Shelisha Mendis 

US Ambassador Julie Chung addressing the gathering

Event Host President Crysantha Perera (right) with US Ambassador Julie Chung

“Our bilateral relationship is strong and enduring. The United States and Sri Lanka share a century-long economic partnership. As Sri Lanka strengthens its economy, the potential for American companies in industries like energy, infrastructure, agribusiness, technology, and tourism is immense” 

Julie Chung, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka

In celebrating the dynamic spirit of ‘Rotary’ and its profound impact on communities, U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung delivered an inspiring address at a joint Rotary meeting held in the Ivy Room of the Cinnamon Grand Colombo on March 12, 2025. 

Speaking to a distinguished gathering of Rotarians from six clubs, she emphasised the vital role of service, leadership, and global collaboration in driving meaningful change. The event served as a platform for fostering dialogue on key initiatives, strengthening partnerships, and reinforcing Rotary’s unwavering commitment to community service and global goodwill. US-Sri Lanka relationships have reached unprecedented highs and are further growing with her country’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka’s security and prosperity, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. 

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said, “Our bilateral relationship is strong and enduring. The United States and Sri Lanka share a century-long economic partnership. As Sri Lanka strengthens its economy, the potential for American companies in industries like energy, infrastructure, agribusiness, technology, and tourism is immense”. 

Chung added that the event, which brought together business leaders and community figures, provided her with an opportunity to reflect on the strong and enduring relationship between the two countries. In her remarks, Chung highlighted the rich history of bilateral relations between the two nations, dating back to the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1948. She emphasised the shared values, mutual respect, and commitment to democratic principles that have shaped the partnership. “We have worked together across various fields including economic development, education, and national security, and our cooperation has reached far beyond government-to-government relations to enrich the lives of people in both countries,” Chung said.

 “Our partnership is truly wide-ranging, and it’s wonderful to see the Rotary Club’s role in fostering the people-to-people connections,” she said. Ambassador Chung praised the longstanding US programmes in Sri Lanka, such as the Fulbright Commission, which has been active for over 70 years, and the return of the US Peace Corps volunteers in 2023, which have strengthened the educational and cultural bonds between the two nations. She also emphasised the significant role of Rotary in bridging the gap between the US and Sri Lanka, with shared values of service, leadership, and community development. 

“Rotary’s work in promoting peace, countering diseases, and fostering entrepreneurship aligns closely with the shared goals of both the US and Sri Lanka,” Chung remarked. “Your efforts in projects such as Little Hearts, Healing Minds Matter, and Ability Plus are making a real difference across Sri Lanka and will continue to yield positive outcomes as the country recovers economically,” she added. The Ambassador also underscored the importance of economic growth in strengthening the relationship between the two countries. She noted that a stable and prosperous economy creates opportunities for investment, job creation, and innovation. Chung underscored President Trump’s vision for trade, emphasising that the US is committed to building a favourable investment climate not only for American businesses, but also for Sri Lankan companies. “Our bilateral relationship is strong and enduring,” said Chung. “The United States and Sri Lanka share a century-long economic partnership. And as Sri Lanka strengthens its economy, the potential for American companies in industries like energy, infrastructure, agribusiness, technology, and tourism is immense,” she said. Ambassador Chung also touched on the United States’ continued commitment to Sri Lanka’s security and prosperity, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. She mentioned key initiatives such as US Navy port calls, the establishment of the Sri Lankan Marine Corps, and the donation of a King Air maritime patrol aircraft, which have significantly enhanced Sri Lanka’s maritime security and surveillance capabilities. “The United States is proud to be Sri Lanka’s largest export market, and we are working together to boost trade and security cooperation across the Indo Pacific,” she said. 

Chung concluded, by expressing optimism for the future of US-Sri Lanka relations, emphasising that both nations’ shared commitment to democratic principles and economic progress will continue to drive cooperation. She thanked the Rotary Club members for their dedication to service and their role in strengthening the bonds between the two nations. “Our partnership, built on people, progress, and partnership, will thrive as we work together to build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for both of our nations,” she said. 

Further the event was graced by District Governor Rtn. Sushena Ranatunga, Governor-Elect Rtn. Delvin Pereira, Governor-Nominee Rtn. Suriyakumar, Past Rotary International President K R Ravindran, other Rotary Club Presidents, and Fellow Rotarians.