Julie Jiyoon Chung, the United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament to discuss strengthening educational and cultural ties between the two countries.
Ambassador Chung highlighted the progress of Peace Corps initiatives and other collaborative programmes, including the Fulbright International Exchange Program, which allows students and scholars from over 160 countries to study, teach, conduct research, and promote cultural understanding.
Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya emphasized the need for technical expertise within the Ministry of Education, Department of Examinations, and National Institute of Education to support ongoing educational reforms. She outlined efforts to shift from an examination-based system to a formative, collaborative learning environment and stressed the importance of developing scholars aligned with the country’s human development priorities.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from both sides. The US delegation included Public Affairs Officer Ms. Menaka Nayyar, Dr. Patrick McNamara, Executive Director of the US-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, and Professor Prabha Manurathne, Director of the Centre for Gender Equity and Prevention of SGBV and Ragging at the University Grants Commission. The Sri Lankan delegation included Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Ms. Pramuditha Manusighe, Director of the Europe and North America Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
