US Ambassador - Julie Chung leaves, Jane Howell will come for a while.

Ms. Jane Howell, a senior Foreign Service Officer, has assumed her duties as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo. The current Ambassador, Julie Chung, who has served as the highest-ranking American diplomat in the country for nearly four years, is scheduled to depart Sri Lanka on January 16, 2026.

Following her departure, Ms. Jane Howell will serve as Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy until a new ambassador is appointed.

For the ambassadorial position vacated by Ms. Julie Chung, the White House nominated Mr. Eric Meyer, a senior diplomat, in July 2025. He is expected to assume this role after receiving approval from the U.S. Senate. Until then, the leadership of the U.S. Embassy in Colombo will be held by Ms. Jane Howell.

The new Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms. Jane Howell, possesses extensive experience in the Foreign Service. Most recently, she served as the Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs in Pakistan and Turkey. As a senior advisor on immigration and visa policies for ambassadors in those countries, she contributed to coordinating essential services for thousands of American citizens who travel to those countries annually. Additionally, she has served as the Chief of Consular Sections in Accra, Ghana; Harare, Zimbabwe; and Kabul, Afghanistan, and has held several senior positions, including Deputy Executive Director in the Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington.

Ambassador Julie Chung, who is departing Sri Lanka, stated that she deeply values every moment spent in Sri Lanka. She mentioned that her primary objectives were strengthening security partnerships, expanding trade and investment, and promoting democratic values. She further added that she was able to foster relations between the two countries for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

During Ambassador Julie Chung's tenure, which began in February 2022, several significant milestones were achieved. Prominent among these are the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations in 2023, the return of American Peace Corps volunteers in 2024, and the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program. Additionally, a new 'LEED Gold' certified embassy building was inaugurated under her initiative in October 2022. This demonstrates America's commitment to a sustainable and secure partnership.

Under her leadership, significant U.S. support was also provided for Sri Lanka's economic recovery. This included supporting the International Monetary Fund facility, providing aid through the Department of Agriculture for food security, and delivering humanitarian assistance to those affected by Cyclone 'Ditwa' in December 2025.

Ambassador Julie Chung's tenure was also crucial in enhancing defense cooperation. This included conducting joint exercises such as CARAT, ATLAS ANGEL, and Pacific Angel, as well as reaching a Memorandum of Understanding between the Montana National Guard and the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defense.