US Embassy in Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka’s Matara Chamber of Commerce launch American Innovation Hub
The US Embassy in Sri Lanka has launched an American Innovation Hub (iHub) in the southern city of Matara in Sri Lanka on last week in partnership with the Matara District Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The US Embassy has said the iHub will provide employment and leadership skills for young people, promote English language learning, encourage study in the United States, and introduce the local community to American culture and values.
“The American Innovation Hub will inspire creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the Southern Province through technology and engineering programs,” US Embassy Public Affairs Officer James Russo has said at the opening.
“As we celebrate our 70th anniversary of partnership with Sri Lanka, we are delighted to expand our people-to-people connections in Matara.”
Russo and President of the Matara District Chamber of Commerce and Industry Metta Widanagamachchi inaugurated the iHub, which is located in the Matara Chamber of Commerce building at No.149, Hakmana Road, Matara.
The iHub is open to the public from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
The iHub offers thematic programmes, all free of charge, and a selection of U.S. books and DVDs.
In addition to the American iHub in Matara, the US Embassy has American Spaces in Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna and Malé.
These locations offer books, DVDs, English language programs, entrepreneurship programs, U.S. speakers, and more.
OSL take:
The initiative by the US Embassy in Sri Lanka indicates the further strengthening of relations between the US and Sri Lanka at ground level. The setting up of iHubs in various parts of Sri Lanka while assisting in the development of human resources in those areas. Also, since the iHub provides an insight into American culture and values, it would also help US investors/businesses to set up businesses in Sri Lanka since the local workforce will be familiar with the US systems.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20180326/Z_5 |