The controversial tenure of US Ambassador Julie Chung, widely seen as the “unseen hand” behind the rise of the Jathika Jana Balawegaya (NPP) in Sri Lanka, has been abruptly ended, with the Donald Trump administration ordering her immediate return to Washington. This sudden exit of Ambassador Chung—who advocated for “system change,” championed the protest movement, and even visited the JVP headquarters to pave the way for Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s success—has reportedly thrown the JJB-led government into a state of severe disquiet and difficulty.
“HAWAII” PLOT TO PROTECT FAILING JJB GOVERNMENT UNRAVELS
It has now been revealed that Julie Chung had launched a secret plan to extend her stay and protect the failing JJB administration in Sri Lanka. She was reportedly preparing to argue at the upcoming Indo-Pacific regional ambassadors’ conference in Hawaii that the island nation was at risk of a renewed economic crisis, and that her continued presence was vital for managing the situation. “State Secrets” reports that over the past few weeks, she held discreet talks with opposition leaders, NGO heads, and businessmen. Their collective aim was to keep Chung in Sri Lanka to mask the failures of the JJB government.
TRUMP’S DECISION SENDS JJB’S “ALLY” PACKING
However, all hopes of the JJB government were dashed when US President Donald Trump unexpectedly canceled the Hawaii summit and ordered 30 officials on extended service, including Julie Chung, to return to the US before January 16. Chung was a key figure under the Biden administration who directly intervened in Sri Lankan politics. The “love” she tried to demonstrate—even reportedly tattooing a map of Sri Lanka on her foot—is now clearly understood as a geopolitical strategy aimed at bringing forces like the JJB/NPP to power.
ARRIVAL OF ERIC MAYER: A MORTAL BLOW TO THE JJB?
The new ambassador replacing Julie Chung, Eric Mayer, is a prominent figure in Trump’s Republican party. He is an experienced official with previous engagement in the Central and South Asian regions. Political analysts suggest that he will view the Biden-friendly JJB administration with a highly critical eye. With the era of ambassadors like Julie Chung—who remained silent while the country was devastated by the ‘Ditta’ cyclone and educational standards plummeted to a level where explicit material was allegedly shown to 6th graders—now over, the JJB government is expected to face severe international pressure.
For the JJB administration, which relied on foreign influence and alleged plots to retain power, Julie Chung’s departure is the loss of their “protector.” Political commentators believe that under the new Trump representative, Eric Mayer, the “true nature” of the JJB government will be exposed to the world.
