Sri Lanka’s first Mobile American Space, the “USBus”, was officially launched at the University of Kelaniya by the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, in partnership with Sarvodaya-Fusion.
Commenting on the launch, US Ambassador Julie Chung said the project will connect students with American innovation, leadership, and learning across Sri Lanka for the next 18 months.
“The USBus will deliver three days of immersive programming here at Kelaniya. And throughout the next 18 months, it will continue its journey to universities and community hubs across the country—from Sri Jayewardenepura and the University of Colombo to NSBM, Moratuwa, NIE, SLIIT, and Peradeniya and beyond. By the end of 2026, our little USBus will have been to every province and seen more of this beautiful island than even I have,” Ambassador Chung said, addressing the launch event.
The full statement of US Ambassador Julie Chung;
Vice Chancellor Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Chairman of the University Grants Commission Senior Professor Kapila Seneviratne, Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, Prof. Rohan Samarajiva, representatives of Sarvodaya Fusion, members of the University of Kelaniya Career Guidance Unit, faculty, students, and honored guests—it is truly a pleasure to be with you today.
Today’s launch of the USBus—our Mobile American Space—is a milestone moment in our shared journey to bring knowledge, opportunity, and inspiration directly to young people across Sri Lanka. The USBus will also serve as an important piece of the Embassy’s plan to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Over the coming weeks and months leading up to July 4, 2026, you will be seeing a lot more of this campaign, which we are calling America250.
The USBus reflects the U.S. Embassy’s deep and enduring commitment to youth empowerment, and it aligns with an important America250 theme: “Bringing Opportunity to You.” In that spirit, we are meeting Sri Lanka’s bright and driven youth exactly where they are—on campuses, in community hubs, and in areas beyond the largest and best-known cities—because access to opportunity should never depend on your postal code.
Let me be clear: the USBus is more than just a vehicle—it’s a mobile engine of possibility. It brings American excellence and American values like innovation to life, offering practical tools for students to build skills and shape their own futures.
Why Kelaniya?
We are honored to begin this journey at the University of Kelaniya, a university known for its academic excellence, vibrant student community, and forward-thinking leadership. With the support of the Career Guidance Unit here at UoK—and with the backing of the University Grants Commission, whose Chairman is a proud former academic of this very campus—this is the ideal place to kick off the U.S. Embassy’s most far-reaching public diplomacy initiative to date.
The USBus will deliver three days of immersive programming here at Kelaniya. And throughout the next 18 months, it will continue its journey to universities and community hubs across the country—from Sri Jayewardenepura and the University of Colombo to NSBM, Moratuwa, NIE, SLIIT, and Peradeniya and beyond. By the end of 2026, our little USBus will have been to every province and seen more of this beautiful island than even I have!
Each stop will feature a unique blend of programming typically offered by our network of American Spaces:
STEM for Youth, led here by Fulbright Researcher Olivia Mitchell, combining environmental science with interactive math and technology challenges.
American English, taught by our expert English Language Fellows, Judith and Kevin, focusing on practical, everyday communication skills that open doors globally.
Entrepreneurship Bootcamps, exploring American innovation, the entrepreneurial mindset, and how students can be changemakers in their own communities.
And of course, we’re bringing EducationUSA, who will offer advising sessions and Q&As to help you pursue study opportunities in the U.S.
In between sessions, students will enjoy fun, interactive activities at the USBus booth:
Virtual reality experiences featuring the America250 journey,
Photo booths to share your version of the “American Dream,”
3D printing demonstrations showcasing innovation in action
Distribution of swag, so you can take home a piece of the USBus experience
A Team Effort
The USBus is not a solo mission. It’s powered by the people and partnerships that bring our American Spaces network to life.
Our English Language Fellows are dedicated mentors who live and teach in Sri Lanka, offering deep expertise in communication and intercultural understanding.
Our Fulbright scholars and researchers bring American academic excellence to Sri Lankan campuses, forging bonds through knowledge exchange.
Our EducationUSA advisors open doors to world-class education for ambitious Sri Lankan students.
Our Embassy officers from the Public Diplomacy section, together with the American Spaces team, curate the programs and resources you’ll experience.
And our amazing Youth Forum volunteers and USG Alumni —leaders in their own right—help us connect with you, peer to peer, making the US-Sri Lanka relationship real, relatable, and inspiring.
We are proud to implement this initiative with Sarvodaya Fusion, whose grassroots experience ensures that our reach is expansive, impactful, and grounded in community realities.
Beyond the Bus
What starts with a vehicle does not stop at the edge of campus.
The Mobile American Space complements our five permanent American Spaces in Colombo, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna, and Batticaloa, all of which serve thousands of young people every year with language and skills development, digital literacy, cultural programming, and leadership workshops.
With the USBus, we are now bridging the gap—reaching a wide range of regions and first-time audiences to offer free, high-quality programming that inspires curiosity and confidence.
Looking Ahead
In the coming months, we look forward to seeing young innovators presenting tech prototypes from our STEM sessions, student entrepreneurs launching ideas seeded through our workshops, and English language learners engaging with the world more confidently.
I encourage you to scan the QR code available at the USBus booth to learn more about upcoming stops, program highlights, and how you can stay engaged. We’ll be sharing stories and updates from each stop, so you can follow the USBus on its journey – and maybe even spot yourself or your friends in our features! Let’s build momentum together as the USBus rolls across the island.
Together, we can build a more resilient, prosperous, and opportunity-rich Sri Lanka—and we’re proud that the United States can be your partner in that journey.
Thank you to the University of Kelaniya for welcoming us so warmly. To Sarvodaya Fusion, the University Grants Commission, and our Embassy teams—thank you for making this possible.
Let’s hit the road—with the USBus leading the way. (Newswire)
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