COLOMBO – The American Center in Colombo, relocated to the new US embassy building and revamped with a new look and new features, opened its doors to program participants with a simple yet colourful ceremony, on Thursday (29). Guests included library patrons, Youth Forum members, and past and present program participants as well as program implementing partners.
With an eye on providing Sri Lankan youth the tools they need to seize the future, the new American Center has shifted primary focus from being a library and program venue to a space for collaborative learning and digital engagement, as well as a state-of-the-art location for technology, such as virtual reality and 3D printing.
A statement from the US embassy in Colombo said the American Center will continue to host programs such as English language training, public speaking, entrepreneurship development, coding, web development, media literacy, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) and, much more, all at no cost to participants. It added that the Center will also continue to offer a space for Sri Lanka’s youth, university students, and friends of the United States where information is accessible, freedom of expression is celebrated, and the freedom to assemble is supported.
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, who joined the celebration and engaged with the patrons of the American Center, remarked, “After three years of mostly virtual programming, my team and I are grateful to be able to continue the tradition of freedom of expression and exchange in this beautiful, modern space,” expressing hope that over the coming weeks, months, and years new and old friends would be coming together in the space to co-create dreams, programs, and fulfilling futures.
“I often say that the United States and Sri Lanka are both friends and partners, with many shared values and so much shared history,” Chung said, noting “This is a challenging time for all Sri Lankans, but the United States continues to invest in the people of Sri Lanka, the importance of the bilateral relationship, and the future we share. This library is a great example of that partnership, that friendship, and that investment in the future!”
Over the course of its 73-year history, the American Center has welcomed thousands of Sri Lankans seeking information about the United States of America and beyond. First located at the Galle Face Court on Flower Road, it later shifted to historic Sri Ramya at 44 Galle Road, before moving to its current location, the new US Embassy compound with expanded programs and activities.
For more information on visiting or any of the free programs run by the American Center in Colombo, visit the Center’s web site https://lk.usembassy.gov/education-culture/ and social media –
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmCenterSL/ IG: www.instagram.com/amcentersl and/or email: amcentersl@state.gov
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