Amazing America 2009 brought together 17 US universities to create an event that educated and informed the Sri Lankan students, parents and other institutes about the American education system, entrance opportunities, visas, scholarship programmes, student life and much more. This is a yearly event which was conducted for the second successful time in Sri Lanka. The event was held in Colombo at Cinnamon Lake on November 6 and 7 and at Queens Hotel in Kandy on November 9.
The opening ceremony in Colombo was graced by Her Excellency, the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka. Ms. Patricia Butenis and Secretary to the President, Lalith Weeratunga. The opening ceremony in Kandy was graced by Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. The event was sponsored by American College of Higher Education, Sri Lanka.
A few comments from the opening ceremony in Colombo:
HE US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Ms. Patricia Butenis:
"There are over two thousand Sri Lankans currently studying in the United States and this number is increasing. Last year it grew 15%, the largest single increase since we began keeping records. I would like to see the number of Sri Lankans studying in the United States continue to rise, which would increase the mutual understanding between our nations."
Lalith Weeratunga:
AAA has laid the stepping stone and a strong foundation to further education opportunities between Sri Lanka and United States of America. Their effort will not only enable higher education opportunities in the US but also a means to channel the experience and intelligence back to Sri Lanka. It is truly a pleasure to be associated with an event of this nature and I wish American Alumni Association of Sri Lanka the very best.
Ms. Sherryn Yaseen - President AAA
The objectives of Amazing America 2009 is to make a pathway so that other Sri Lankan students would benefit from the same opportunities, and make their education dreams a reality, and to provide students and parents an insight into what makes America the #1 destination for higher education.
Mr. Sampath Paranavitane - President Elect AAA/Chairman Organizing Committee-Amazing America 2009
The mandate of American Alumni Association is the furtherance of educational opportunities between Sri Lanka and the US, with the primary purpose of promoting fellowship, achievements, appreciation of American culture and values and ultimately to build a mutual understanding between the people of the two countries. We refer to this as the "Bridge to success" because it is a two way path.
Just as we promote American Education, AAA has pioneered the effort in channelling intelligence back Sri Lanka, in the form of education, work experience and business ventures. Sri Lanka is working towards building its "Knowledge Economy" and we as the American Alumni Association will complement that effort. |
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