The University Business Linkage of the University of Vavuniya successfully organized the USBus Inaugural Ceremony and Awareness Program on 18th &19th May 2026 in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy Sri Lanka. The event was held at SH4, Soosairadnam Building, Faculty of Business Studies, University of Vavuniya, with the participation of university representatives, embassy officials, staff members, external institutions, and students. The program aimed to promote global educational opportunities, innovation, leadership, research, and technology-based learning while strengthening international collaboration and student engagement.
The event commenced at 8:30 AM with the arrival and registration of participants, followed by booth activities and awareness sessions from 9:00 AM onwards. The USBus booth featured interactive flashcard games, video quizzes, information desks on American Spaces in Sri Lanka, eLibraryUSA, and Fulbright opportunities, as well as live 3D printing and Virtual Reality (VR) demonstrations. These activities created an engaging and educational atmosphere for students and visitors. Winners of the quizzes received USBus complimentary kits. The organizers targeted the participation of over 400 students in the inaugural ceremony, awareness sessions, and documentary screening programs.
University representatives and students gathered at the auditorium from 12:30 PM onwards for the 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 and were warmly welcomed by university students with bouquets, garlands, and betel leaves in accordance with traditional customs. The inaugural ceremony officially commenced at 1:00 PM.
The welcome speech was delivered by Ms. S. Mathivathany, Director of University Business Linkage and Head of the Department of Project Management, who 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 and 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.
Following the inaugural ceremony, the embassy officials, university dignitaries, and representatives visited the USBus booth area located near the Faculty of Business Studies. Approximately 30 students accompanied the dignitaries during the visit, providing an opportunity for the guests to observe the interactive educational activities, technological demonstrations, and awareness initiatives conducted by the USBus team.
Subsequently, a courtesy meeting was held at the Vice Chancellor’s Office Board Room from 1:45 PM to 2:15 PM with the participation of university representatives and embassy officials. Discussions focused on future collaborations, academic partnerships, student opportunities, and institutional development initiatives.
The program also included the participation of external institutions such as the Open University of Sri Lanka, Advanced Technological Institute (ATI), and Technical College, with approximately 20 students invited from each institution. Educational sessions conducted during the two-day program covered topics including U.S. exchange opportunities, eLibraryUSA resources, cybersecurity awareness, leadership, contextual leadership, technology for social good, STEAM education, and creative problem-solving approaches.
A special documentary screening of Moon Bound: Artemis II Mission through Kanopy and eLibraryUSA further enriched the learning experience by providing students with insights into American space exploration and technological advancements.
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 while strengthening collaboration between the University of Vavuniya and the U.S. Embassy Sri Lanka.
