"An American Corner is much more than a small library where people can read books, magazines, or current newspapers," Ambassador Patricia Butenis was quoted as saying in a statement after opening the centre.
"The American Corner is a place that will connect Jaffna with the rest of Sri Lanka, and with the world.
"Through digital video conferences, the Jaffna public can now interact with American scholars or business leaders in New York, Los Angeles, or Washington D.C. "
A larger 'American Centre' is in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo. There are 'American Corners' in Kandy and Oluvil.
"We will engage young people via the internet, web casts, and programming to develop their communication and leadership skills," she said.
"Our online databases, English language library collection, regularly scheduled book clubs and film screenings will provide educational and cultural resources to both children and adults.
"We hope and expect that the American Corner will quickly become a vi