President and US Ambassador continue engagement despite security warnings

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J. Chung

Despite the security advisories of potential threats in the Eastern Province yesterday, both President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and US Ambassador Julie Chung continued with their political and official duties respectively.

The President participated in a political rally in Trincomalee as part of his ‘Building the Nation Together — We are for Malimawa’ campaign series, drawing thousands of people despite concerns over safety. 

In a post on ‘X’, Dissanayake expressed gratitude to the crowd: “A heartfelt gratitude to the thousands who attended the inaugural victorious public rally this morning. Your unwavering support is truly appreciated.”

Meanwhile, the US Ambassador was actively engaged in the Northern Province, where she met with newly appointed Governor Nagalingam Vedanayagam to discuss collaborative efforts between the US and Sri Lanka.

In her own post via ‘X’, Chung highlighted areas of potential cooperation including economic opportunities, infrastructure improvements, and agricultural development.

She also visited the American Corner in Jaffna, where the Ambassador interacted with young Sri Lankans participating in the English Access Microscholarship Program.

“There’s nothing like the energy and enthusiasm of young people eager to learn — especially when they’re having fun,” she noted.

In addition, Ambassador Chung met with Bishop Gnanapragasam to discuss Sri Lanka’s progress on justice and reconciliation efforts.

These high-profile engagements came in the wake of fresh security warnings from the US Embassy in Colombo, followed by six other countries, including the UK, Australia, Russia, New Zealand, and Israel.