U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, paid a courtesy visit to the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce this week, holding high-level discussions with the Chamber’s leadership on deepening trade, investment, and economic collaboration between the United States and Sri Lanka.
Ambassador Chung met with newly appointed Chairman Krishan Balendra, along with Vice Chairman Bingumal Thewarathanthri, Deputy Vice Chairman Vinod Hirdaramani, and Secretary General Buwanekabahu Perera.
She congratulated Krishan Balendra on his appointment and reiterated the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to strengthening its engagement with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
Commending Sri Lanka’s constructive engagement in trade negotiations, Ambassador Chung noted that the evolving global trade landscape has opened new opportunities for Sri Lanka to position itself as a regional hub.
She highlighted growing U.S. business interest in South Asia and urged Sri Lanka to capitalise on this momentum by improving competitiveness, reducing non-tariff barriers, and fostering a more open and facilitative business environment.
Balendra reaffirmed the Chamber’s continued collaboration with the government to enhance the ease of doing business and attract foreign investment.
He invited the U.S. to participate in the upcoming Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit, scheduled for 2–3 December at the Shangri-La, Colombo.
In return, Ambassador Chung invited the Chamber to lead a Sri Lankan business delegation to the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington D.C. in May 2026.
Tourism was also discussed as a sector ripe for growth. While Balendra emphasised the need for a coordinated global marketing strategy, Ambassador Chung stressed the importance of improved infrastructure to support increasing tourist arrivals.
Both parties agreed to maintain close engagement and build on ongoing cooperation to advance initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral economic ties.
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