The American Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, is about to end her term of service, and Elizabeth K. Horst has been appointed in her place.
Observers have pointed out that the new Ambassador has played a prominent role as a hardliner. Before this, she worked in the Asian region as a diplomatic officer in Pakistan, India and Nepal.
Political observers have paid close attention to the appointment of the new Ambassador at a time when a crucial presidential election is approaching.