USBus Inaugural Ceremony and Awareness Program
Program Overview
The University Business Linkage of the University of Vavuniya successfully organized the USBus Inaugural Ceremony and Awareness Program on 18th & 19th May 2026. This took place in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy Sri Lanka. The event took place at SH4, Soosairadnam Building, Faculty of Business Studies, University of Vavuniya. University representatives, embassy officials, staff members, external institutions, and students all participated. The program aimed to promote global educational opportunities, innovation, leadership, research, and technology-based learning. It also strengthened international collaboration and student engagement.
Booth Activities and Awareness Sessions
The event commenced at 8:30 AM with the arrival and registration of participants. Booth activities and awareness sessions followed from 9:00 AM onwards. The USBus booth featured interactive flashcard games, video quizzes, and information desks on American Spaces in Sri Lanka, eLibraryUSA, and Fulbright opportunities. It also included live 3D printing and Virtual Reality (VR) demonstrations. These activities created an engaging and educational atmosphere for students and visitors. Quiz winners received USBus complimentary kits. The organizers targeted the participation of over 400 students across the inaugural ceremony, awareness sessions, and documentary screening programs.
The USBus Inaugural Ceremony
University representatives and students gathered at the auditorium from 12:30 PM onwards for the USBus Inaugural Ceremony. Officials from the U.S. Embassy Sri Lanka, including Dr. Steven Walter, Public Diplomacy Officer, arrived between 12:40 PM and 12:50 PM. University students warmly welcomed them with bouquets, garlands, and betel leaves in accordance with traditional customs. The inaugural ceremony officially commenced at 1:00 PM.
Ms. S. Mathivathany, Director of University Business Linkage and Head of the Department of Project Management, delivered the welcome speech. She highlighted the importance of international collaboration and student-centered initiatives conducted through USBus. Senior Professor A. Atputharajah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Vavuniya, addressed the gathering. He emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships and creating greater opportunities for students through international cooperation. Dr. Steven Walter, representing the U.S. Embassy Sri Lanka, spoke on educational cooperation, cultural exchange, and opportunities available for Sri Lankan students through U.S.-supported programs and initiatives.
Booth Visit and Courtesy Meeting
Following the inaugural ceremony, the embassy officials, university dignitaries, and representatives visited the USBus booth area near the Faculty of Business Studies. Approximately 30 students accompanied the dignitaries during the visit. This gave the guests an opportunity to observe the interactive educational activities, technological demonstrations, and awareness initiatives conducted by the USBus team.
Subsequently, university representatives and embassy officials held a courtesy meeting at the Vice Chancellor’s Office Board Room from 1:45 PM to 2:15 PM. Discussions focused on future collaborations, academic partnerships, student opportunities, and institutional development initiatives.
Participation from External Institutions
The program also included participation from external institutions such as the Open University of Sri Lanka, Advanced Technological Institute (ATI), and Technical College. Approximately 20 students were invited from each institution. The two-day program’s educational sessions covered topics including U.S. exchange opportunities, eLibraryUSA resources, and cybersecurity awareness. Additional sessions addressed leadership, contextual leadership, technology for social good, STEAM education, and creative problem-solving approaches.
Documentary Screening
A special documentary screening of Moon Bound: Artemis II Mission took place through Kanopy and eLibraryUSA. This further enriched the learning experience by providing students with insights into American space exploration and technological advancements.
Conclusion
Overall, the USBus Inaugural Ceremony and Awareness Program successfully created a vibrant platform for students to connect with global educational opportunities, innovation, culture, and technology. It also strengthened collaboration between the University of Vavuniya and the U.S. Embassy Sri Lanka.

