Awards Ceremony “Learn about America”
October 19, 2009 - Ambassador Patricia Butenis felicitates Young Writers from around the Country who receive Awards in the "Learn About America" Essay Competition.
Sri Lankan youth become filmmakers
August 21, 2009 - The ten-day Children’s Film Camp organized by the U.S. Embassy and the Galle Film Festival draws to a successful close this weekend with a screening at the Punchi theatre in Borella of the eight short films made by the participants.
Sinhala and Tamil language training
August 24, 2009 - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing Sinhala and Tamil language training to elected government officials and staff from 11 local government authorities in Eastern Province.
Workshop on Intellectual Property Law
July 21, 2009: The National Intellectual Property Office of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the US Patents and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Business Software Alliance (BSA), held a workshop this past Saturday, July 18, at the Hotel Galadari in Colombo.
Delegates to 2009 Future World Leaders Summit
July 15, 2009 - Acting US Ambassador James Moore and Acting Public Affairs Officer of the US Embassy in Colombo Glen Davis held a briefing session for the Sri Lankan delegates leaving to Washington D. C at the end of this week for the 2009 Future World Leaders Summit.
US and Sri Lanka Supporting Regional Cooperation
June 29, 2009 - How can countries better communicate with each other to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the Asia-Pacific region? That was the topic of the recent Multinational Communications Interoperability Program (MCIP) conference--a five-day event co-sponsored by the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) and the Government of SL
Working Together to Enhance Regional Security
June 25, 2009 - Colombo was the venue for a conference on June 22-24 organized by the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center and the Regional Network of Strategic Centers (RNSSC) to discuss regional approaches in meeting non-traditional security challenges and enhancing boarder security.
English teacher training program
June 8, 2009 - After successful completion of a three - week training program, thirty English teachers from the districts of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Jaffna and Batticaloa received their certificates on May 29, 2009. This pilot program on English teacher training is a component of the Government of Sri Lanka’s Cities of Excellence Initiative.
Training scholarships for 500 youth
May 13, 2009 - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing training scholarships to 500 young people from the East and North through the Unlimited Potential Partnership program (UPP). Scholarships were awarded to 100 youth from Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Jaffna and Vavuniya districts today.
Supporting Regional Governance Program
April 30, 2009 - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is funding a two-year program called Supporting Regional Governance (SuRG) to strengthen local governance in conflict-affected areas of the East.
U.S. Government Helps Open Workshop on Energy Efficient Lighting in Colombo
April 27, 2009 - U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires James Moore, Minister of Power and Energy Hon. W.D.J. Seniviratne, and Sustainable Energy Authority Chairman Dr. Krishan Deheragoda officially opened a two-day workshop to launch a new center for energy efficient lighting in Sri Lanka, the first of its kind in South Asia.
U.S. Government donates medical supplies
March 30, 2009 - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) today donated equipment and basic medical supplies to the Ministry of Health to treat 50,000 civilians at hospitals in the North. James R. Moore, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, made the symbolic presentation to to Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Health Care and Nutrition.
Emergency food aid for Sri Lanka
April 02, 2009 - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated $15 million (Rs 1.7 billion) worth of vital food aid for Sri Lanka to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP).
USAID Program for Training Unemployed Youth
March 27, 2009 – On March 20 the Ministry of Education announced it will provide workforce readiness training to thousands of Sri Lankan youth, thanks to funding from the Asian Development Bank.
Energy Efficient Lighting Center in South Asia
February 26, 2009 - Sri Lanka will host the first energy efficient lighting Center of Excellence in South Asia, thanks to funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
USAID funded Career Days in Ampara and Batticaloa
January 22, 2009 - The Accelerated Skills Acquisition Program (ASAP) is holding two Career Days for youth in Eastern Sri Lanka to strengthen links between local companies and training providers, as well as to help youth find jobs and training opportunities.
U.S. Government renovates schools
January 15, 2009 – To improve the lives of Sri Lankans affected by the conflict, the U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Pacific Command, is rehabilitating five schools in Trincomalee District and one hospital and two schools in Batticaloa District.
Children affected by violence learn new job skills
December 30, 2008 – Seven young men who are victims of violence have acquired new job skills and are ready to reintegrate into society after a job training program funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
U.S. Completes Tsunami Rebuilding Projects in Sri Lanka, Maldives
December 30, 2008 - Washington — Four years ago, the Indian Ocean tsunami swept over coastal lands in Asia and Africa, killing more than 200,000 people, destroying cities and crippling the ability of the remaining millions to survive.
U.S. Marines deliver Christmas toys to needy children
December 22, 2008 - The annual Toys For Tots program was a big hit at the National Cancer Hospital in Maharagama, Sri Lanka.
US Government partners with Brandix to train 600 workers for new jobs
December 10, 2008 – USAID and Brandix Lanka Limited are working together to train 600 people for employment at a new Brandix apparel factory in Batticaloa District.
The U.S. Government and AmeriCares provide safe water to Ampara communities
November 17, 2008 - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the international relief organization AmeriCares today marked the completion of the Pottuvil/Ulla Water Treatment Plant and Ulla Supply System, to give the residents of these coastal villages safe and clean water for the first time since the tsunami.
U.S. Embassy helps build affordable homes
November 14, 2008 - On November 7, Ambassador Robert Blake, Deputy Chief of Mission James Moore, and other staff of the U.S. Embassy Colombo volunteered for a day with Habitat for Humanity to provide impoverished Sri Lankan communities with decent housing.
U.S. Government funds Vocational Centers
November 13, 2008 - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) today marked the successful completion of the final two out of a total of nine new vocational education schools.
United States helps police reduce human trafficking in Sri Lanka
October 31, 2008 - Human trafficking is the third largest and fastest growing criminal industry in the world. To help Sri Lanka counter this growing threat, the U.S. Government has provided $500,000 to support trafficking prevention programs, strengthen prosecution, and improve victim protection.
USAID offers practical education to Southern youth
October 26, 2008 - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) today marked the completion of the new vocational training center in Tangalle, in the presence of His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa and U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Robert Blake.
U.S. Embassy Celebrates Children’s Day
October 15, 2008 - The U.S. Embassy in Colombo hosted 100 children to celebrate International Children’s Day on October 1. For this one-day program, the Embassy hosted 60 students from the Eastern Province and 40 young people from the Puttalam district.
USAID and VTA go green in southern Sri Lanka
October 10, 2008 - With the opening of Ahangama Vocational Training Center, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is promoting a high standard for green design in Sri Lanka as part of its Tsunami Reconstruction Program.
USAID continues to bolster Sri Lanka’s defense against Avian Influenza
October 9, 2008 - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID handed over a real-time Polymerase Chain Reactor machine to the Veterinary Research Institute of the Ministry of Livestock Development, which will dramatically improve the Sri Lanka’s ability to diagnose quickly any possible outbreak of avian influenza.
USAID Assists Sri Lanka’s Local Governments in Sanitation Management
October 1, 2008 - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Water and Drainage, and the Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government have sponsored a national workshop in Sri Lanka to disseminate best practices in sanitation management.
USAID and LOLC enter agreement to benefit Eastern farmers and small businesses.
September 18, 2008 - The US Mission to Sri Lanka, through USAID/Sri Lanka, today signed a portable guarantee agreement of $ 5 million with Lanka Orix Leasing Company (LOLC), which will serve as a catalyst for LOLC to introduce new financial products in conflict zones as well as leverage additional private financing.
Gherkins and peppers from Ampara soon to be enjoyed by customers in Europe
September 22, 2008 - Sri Lanka’s Hayleys Group and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have successfully completed a six month pilot project linking 160 farmers in conflict affected Eastern Province to global agricultural supply chains.
New Livelihoods and Markets for Farmers
September 10, 2008 - September 10, 2008 - US Ambassador Robert Blake joined with representatives of World Vision to recognize the achievements of 70 Sri Lankan farmers who are participating in a joint project supported by World Vision and the United States Department of Agriculture.
US Embassy joins Room to Read to celebrate International Literacy Day.
September 8, 2008 – The U.S. Embassy joined Room to Read Sri Lanka at the Mundalama Sinhala Vidyalaya in Puttalum district to celebrate International Literacy Day on September 8th.
USAID boosts job opportunities for Sri Lanka’s youth
August 28, 2008 - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) today marked the completion of the first two out of nine new vocational education schools in Southern and Eastern Sri Lanka, built with funds provided by the American people as part of USAID’s Sri Lanka Tsunami Reconstruction Program.
USAID continues to boost Sri Lanka’s fishing industry
July 18, 2008 - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Wednesday marked the completion of another of its large-scale tsunami reconstruction activities - the revitalization of Mirissa fishing harbor – which provides livelihoods for 7,500 families in this tsunami-affected area.
USAID Completes State-of-the-art Bridge over Arugam Bay
July 1, 2008 - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) today marked the completion of its flagship tsunami reconstruction project – the new bridge across Arugam Bay – in the presence of His Excellency, President Mahinda Rajapakse.
USAID Continues to Help Sri Lanka Prevent Avian Influenza
June 25, 2008 - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) handed over on June 24 in Kandy a second donation of key supplies to the Ministry of Livestock Development to help strengthen Sri Lanka’s early warning and reaction capacity against Avian Influenza.
USAID and AmeriCares provide safe water to Ampara community
June 19, 2008 - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) signed on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the international relief organization AmeriCares to fund the completion of a Water Distribution Network for the Ulla community in Ampara District.
USAID gives boost to Sri Lanka’s fishing industry.
June 12, 2008 - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) today marked the completion of the first of its large-scale tsunami reconstruction activities: the revitalization of Hikkaduwa fishing harbor, the source of livelihoods for 4000 families in this tsunami-affected area.
USAID rebuilds sports ground in Trincomalee
June 5, 2008 - On Thursday, USAID Mission Director Rebecca Cohn inaugurated a new and improved sports ground and pavilion in the center of Trincomalee town.
TIFA Council Meeting 2008
May 29, 2008 - Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador John Veroneau hosted Sri Lanka's Minister of Export Development and International Trade G.L. Peiris and a visiting delegation from Sri Lanka at the 6th Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council Meeting in Washington, DC on May 29.
American Center Hosts Student Visit
May 21, 2008 - Ambassador Blake and the American Center Library hosted a tour by sixty Tamil speaking students, ages 12 to 17, from two schools near Batticaloa.
U.S. - Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission reaches to the South
April 18, 2008 - Early this month the U.S.-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission (US-SLFC) launched an educational advisory service project in association with Mahinda College, Galle and its Past Pupils’ Association. The primary purpose of the US- SLFC is the furtherance of mutual understanding between peoples of Sri Lanka and the United States through mutual......
USAID and HELLENIC AID Join Together to Help Tsunami-Affected Trincomalee
April 8, 2008 - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and HELLENIC AID, the development agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece, inaugurated the newly rebuilt Anuradhapura Junction Public Market in Trincomalee on Friday, April 4. Officials from the two donor agencies, which jointly funded the project, were joined at the event by.......
USAID-led Project Opens Playground in Habaraduwa Beach
April 8, 2008 - The devastating tsunami that hit on December 26, 2004 caused considerable loss of life, injury and destruction of public and private property. Included in the damage was the loss of many protected and safe areas for children to play in, which has added an obstacle to their emotional and physical recovery.
U.S. State Department Donates Anti-Terrorism Equipment to National Police
March 18, 2008 - The United States Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Office of Antiterrorism Assistance donated approximately $220,000 worth of equipment to the Sri Lanka National Police (SLNP) in a brief ceremony Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at the American Embassy. Ambassador Robert Blake and IGP Victor Perera spoke at the event.
U.S. Stands by Human Rights Report; Looks Forward to Continued Dialogue
March 14, 2008 - U.S. Ambassador Robert Blake and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama held a constructive discussion on March 14 of the 2007 Report on Human Rights Practices in Sri Lanka that was released this week by the Department of State. The U.S. Government stands by the report.
Perspective on the U.S. Economy
February 28, 2008 - Robert Gabor, U.S. Embassy Colombo Head of Economic and Commercial Affairs, addressed the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Executive Board on February 28 to discuss the state of the U.S. economy. Gabor pointed to the strong growth -- of income, jobs, productivity, exports, and imports -- in the United States since 2001 as an important context against...
Opening of USAID-Funded Roads and Drainage Systems in Pottuvil, Ampara
February 28, 2008 - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) are pleased to announce the opening of the newly-constructed eight km of low maintenance, durable roads and drainage structures throughout the Pottuvil division of the Ampara District.