On July 23, 2025, U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung addressed the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Sri Lanka. She expressed her honor to speak at the institution known for shaping leaders in Sri Lanka's Tri-Services and beyond.
Major General Hewage invited Ambassador Chung, marking her as the first U.S. Ambassador to address this group. She noted Japan's Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki's previous talk on regional security and highlighted the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative from a recent meeting in Washington.
Ambassador Chung praised the college for preparing officers to handle evolving defense challenges. She mentioned six U.S. Army officers who graduated from the institution, including Major Harry Gim, who valued his experience there.
She emphasized economic security as crucial for national stability, referencing Sri Lanka's financial crisis and recovery under an IMF program that improved tax collection efficiency. "Sri Lanka’s prosperity, security, and safety depend on these trends continuing," she stated.
Chung discussed Sri Lanka's strategic location in global trade routes and its role in maritime security through initiatives like Operation Prosperity Guardian against regional threats. She congratulated Sri Lanka for commanding Task Force 154 of the Combined Maritime Force.
The United States remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka with maritime resources such as Coast Guard cutters and surveillance aircraft to secure trade routes. A Memorandum of Cooperation between Virginia Port Authority and Sri Lanka Ports Authority was also highlighted as a step towards enhanced port security.
Ambassador Chung encouraged collaboration among students at the college, emphasizing shared goals for a stable Indo-Pacific region.
"Each of you has a unique role to play," she concluded, urging future leaders to foster cooperation for global stability.