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SL to launch Satellite in UNESCAP project

5 December 2013 03:56 pm - 13     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka will become a member of the elite ‘Satellite Club of Nations’ when it launches its first satellite in two years under its ambitious ‘Small Satellite  Mission’ programme, Technology and Research Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said.

This is a direct result of selecting Sri Lanka as the pilot country by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (UNESCAP) for the five year plan carried out to measure the sustainability of utilizing space technology for sustainable development on a proposal made by Minister Ranwaka.

Addressing the media at the National Science Foundation (NSF) today, Minister Ranawaka said Sri Lanka was still in infancy stage in using Earth Observation Satellite Data, Remote Sensing, Global Navigation Satellite Systems, Satellite Communication and Geographic Information Systems for her development where these new technologies can be used for each and every sector for accelerated progress and value addition. They also can be used for advance warning of natural disasters and environment and climate change.   

The Arthur C Clarke center will be the focal point in this exercise and the local technology and human power will be used in assembling Sri Lanka’s first satellite. The decision to choose Sri Lanka as the Pilot Country was taken at the regional conference of the UNESCAP held in Bangkok from November 27 and 28 where Minister Ranawaka represented Sri Lanka.

Responding to a journalist, Minister Ranawaka said the reaping the optimal benefits of space technology applications in enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity of various spheres of developmental activity requires building the critical mass of human resources with requisite competence in technology, the physical resources such as access to satellite data, software and application programs and above all, accordance of the priority that it deserves in the process of formulation of the organizational strategies and programs in our respective organizations.

Minister Ranawka added that the orbiting a communication satellite in China with the collaboration of a Sri Lankan company was not a national programme and added a ‘satellite ground station’ will b set up at Pallekele in Kandy.

A Space Engineer Sanath Panawattage making a presentation said a team of 7 member space scientists is due in Sri Lanka in mid December to prepare the ground work for the project.

 “There is no field that cannot be value added or developed through satellite or space technology. Therefore, its application to develop science, agriculture, environment and fisheries sector is highly beneficial to a country like Sri Lanka,” Mr. Panawannage stressed. (Sandun A. Jayasekera)

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  Comments - 13

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  • vijayy Thursday, 05 December 2013 04:38 PM

    Matala air port
    H'Tota Port
    Now another Satellite !
    Spend the money in Education & Farming and hire channels from a satellite from a friendly country
    Also what happened to the satellite that was launched by China during end of Nov 12

    Goofy Friday, 06 December 2013 01:27 AM

    I thought we have already launched Sri Lanka's own satellite.

    channa Friday, 06 December 2013 02:28 AM

    Congrats !! Minister Champaka R, Good move to grow country step by step.
    Vijayy, this is one approach to absorb free education benefits to our country.There are lot of educated Sri Lankans work for NASA and other countries, who was educated through SL free education system.Our Tax payers spent lot for them but finally benefited by other countries. Why we hire satellite from them. Vijayy you are proposing to pay two times for same. But pretty sure you will do not so from your own pocket.Satellites will help for farmers to have accurate data for farming.So it will encourage farming. Not only it will help so many other industries we have to develop.
    Vijayy,this is Asian's century. teach your child to do farming with high tech.Then you will enjoy less cost of living with your retired. Keep it up Minister Champaka !!!

    Lucky Weeramantry Friday, 06 December 2013 06:18 AM

    Something Better Than Casinos

    jonson Friday, 06 December 2013 06:23 AM

    well done. Ohoma yamu ediriyata.

    Lanka Shantha Friday, 06 December 2013 07:14 AM

    Will this reduce our cost of living?

    Camaron Friday, 06 December 2013 08:43 AM

    Remove tax from essential food items first before sending satalites

    srinath.gunaratne Friday, 06 December 2013 08:43 AM

    Minister, How about some technology to increase the dairy production ? That will do good to our kids and moms!

    chaminda Friday, 06 December 2013 09:29 AM

    Some of above comments are really weird if you sir Lankan think this way you will remain the same bunch of pools forever. This for our children not for your people let the step in the new world.

    Mi Friday, 06 December 2013 10:29 AM

    That was a engalanthe engalanthe lanka we hehema wenne naha.

    Calistus Jayatilleke Friday, 06 December 2013 11:42 AM

    Why not, we have already launched a rocket called cost of living.

    sandman Saturday, 07 December 2013 05:58 AM

    That is the Rajapaksha Satellite................

    investigator Saturday, 07 December 2013 07:19 AM

    you also a settelite politician for the corrupt government.


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