US Embassy and Matara Chamber of Commerce launch American Innovation Hub

The US Embassy launched an American Innovation Hub (iHub) in Matara on 21 March, in partnership with the Matara District Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

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,” said US Embassy Public Affairs Officer James Russo 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 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The iHub offers thematic programs, all free of charge, and a selection of US 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, US speakers, and more. Please visit the US Embassy’s American Spaces website for more information: https://lk.usembassy.gov/education-culture/american-spaces/