In a momentous ceremony held in Colombo, U.S. Ambassador Julie J. Chung extended a warm welcome to the newly sworn-in Peace Corps Volunteers, marking the program’s return to Sri Lanka after a hiatus since 1998.
The ceremony, graced by First Lady, Dr. Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe, and the Minister of Education, featured Ambassador Chung expressing her gratitude to the distinguished guests for their extraordinary partnership in facilitating the two-year journey ahead for the Volunteers, Counterparts, and Principals.
Ambassador Chung commended the exceptional dedication of Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn and her team in Sri Lanka, emphasizing their role in making this day a reality. Notably, the Ambassador highlighted the return of the Peace Corps to Sri Lanka as a source of inspiration for the U.S. Embassy community.
The Ambassador, expressing pride both as the U.S. Ambassador and an American, lauded Peace Corps Volunteers for their commitment to serving the people of Sri Lanka. She revealed that the Embassy in Colombo currently boasts twenty-two former Peace Corps Volunteers, underlining the lasting impact of the program.
Highlighting the profound experiences awaiting the Volunteers, Ambassador Chung stressed the importance of their immersion in local communities, working alongside their Sri Lankan counterparts and adapting to the languages and cultures of Sinhala or Tamil. She emphasized the Volunteers’ role in strengthening cross-cultural ties and advancing English language education, contributing to Sri Lanka’s progress and development.
Acknowledging the Principals and Teachers for their hospitality and commitment, Ambassador Chung emphasized the immense contributions their collaborative efforts would make to students, schools, and the country. She underscored the lasting friendships built during this two-year period as bridges of peace and friendship.
Expressing gratitude to those who worked tirelessly to bring the Volunteers to this moment, Ambassador Chung thanked members of national and local government, community leaders, police officials, and Peace Corps staff for their ongoing support.
In a direct address to the Volunteers, Ambassador Chung commended them for their bold decision to volunteer, challenging each to become cultural ambassadors in Sri Lanka. She expressed confidence that the interactions with the local community would enrich their lives, providing valuable skills for personal and professional growth.
The Ambassador concluded by saluting the Volunteers for continuing the finest American traditions and thanked them for representing the United States in Sri Lanka. She conveyed excitement about the accomplishments the Volunteers would achieve working hand in hand with their counterparts and colleagues, wishing them all the best in their endeavors.
The return of the Peace Corps to Sri Lanka signifies a renewed commitment to people-to-people ties and cultural exchange between the United States and Sri Lanka, fostering a legacy of friendship and collaboration.
