(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – “Ravana – I, the Nano satellite, designed by two research engineers of the Arthur C. Clarke Institute, with the assistance of Kyushu Technical Institute, Japan, presently stationed at the international space station, which signified Sri Lanka’s entry to the field of space research, will be launched in to orbit 400 km from the earth.’’ says Sujeewa Senasinghe, Minister of Science, Technology and Research revealed this at a news conference held at the Ministry, recently.
The first ever satellite, considered the most unique feat accomplished by our country in the field of space research, was designed as a part of the long term space technology development programme, initiated by the ACCIMT in 2014.
The Minister expressing his views further said, “The Arthur C. Clarke centre had entered in to a cooperative Research Agreement in 2017 with the Kyushu Technical Institute of Japan. Under this agreement, a full scholarship was awarded to Engineer Ms. Dulani Chamika, of ACCIMT to engage in research leading to the designing of a Nano satellite for Sri Lanka. Apart from this, the ACCIMT also assigned Mr. Tharindu Dayarathne, a Research Engineer of the Institution for the same task, as a paying member. The Sri Lanka government has awarded funds amounting to Rs. 21.5 million, for this Nano satellite project’’
The Minister elaborated on the future initiatives of the Ministry as follows.
“By now, the country has been restored to its former status. Under the present conditions, our Ministry is all set to launch the Shilpa Sena exposition, in Colombo with the aim of bringing the public closer to the field of Science, Technology & Innovation. At this exhibition, S&T knowledge will be provided under 12 sectors, while 500 new inventions will be provided with the opportunity for commercialization. Also 1000 awareness packages on products will be introduced to the public. We firmly believe that the implementation of the Shilpa Sena programme in each district of the island on a monthly basis, will pave the way for the doubling of the country’s Gross Domestic Product’’
This event was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry, Mr. Chinthaka S. Lokuhetti, Director, Himali Athaudage, Chariman/ACCIMT, Prof. Upul Sonnadara.
