On September 27, 2024, Julie Chung, the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, addressed the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AMCHAM) and expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Ambassador Chung congratulated Dissanayake on his victory and emphasized the importance of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) under the leadership of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. She highlighted the critical role of FDI in driving economic growth in Sri Lanka and stressed the need for transparency and high standards to attract investors. The U.S. remains Sri Lanka's largest export market, underscoring the significance of adhering to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program to stabilize the economy. Ambassador Chung referenced the importance of anti-corruption measures and drew parallels between Sri Lanka's potential for growth and Amazon's early days, advocating for innovation and creative thinking in business. She praised initiatives such as Microsoft's AI education program and the U.S. mentorship program designed for young Sri Lankans. The Ambassador concluded her remarks with a call for continued collaboration focused on sustainable development and women's empowerment, reinforcing the commitment of the U.S. to support Sri Lanka's economic and social progress. [784f3d0c]