SGAC Sri Lanka
National Points of Contact
Sri Lanka
Welcome to the Sri Lankan page of SGAC
Overview of space activities in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has been actively engaged in space activities, facilitated by various government and non-government Astronomical societies, despite its size and limited resources.
The first significant achievement in Sri Lanka’s space sector was the establishment of the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCIMT) in 1984. ACCIMT, a government-funded research and development institute, concentrates on satellite communications, information technology, electronics, and renewable energy. In 1994, at the Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Development in Asia and the Pacific held in Beijing, ACCIMT was designated as the National Focal Point for Space Technology Applications in Sri Lanka. ACCIMT also offers training programs and workshops on space technologies, electronics, satellite communications, and astronomy for students, professionals, and government officials.
A significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s satellite communications history was the launch of ChinaSat 12 in 2012, which included communication payloads designated as SupremeSAT-I that were owned by SupremeSAT (Pvt) Ltd, a Sri Lankan company. SupremeSAT-I was a joint venture between SupremeSAT (Pvt) Ltd and China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC).
In 2019, the first Sri Lankan satellite, Raavana-1, was launched. Developed by ACCIMT scientists, Raavana-1 was a result of ACCIMT’s involvement in the “Birds” satellite project of Kyushu Institute of Technology (KyuTech), Japan. This project was a result of an effort of the Japanese Government and United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), to provide satellite technology project assistance for non-space-faring countries.
The Sri Lanka Planetarium, the only planetarium in Sri Lanka and one of the largest in Asia, offers educational programs and shows on astronomy and space science for students and the public.
Since 2007, Sri Lanka has been participating in International Olympiad of Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA). Sri Lanka sends a team consisting of 5 highly talented highschool & university students who receive the best results in National Astrophysics Olympiad competition (SLOAA). Our students have shown great talent in IOAA competitions and achieved some awards.
Non-government organizations are doing a huge job for the rise of Astronomy and Space Science in Sri Lanka. They include Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS), Astronomy and Space Study Centre in Sri Lanka (ASSC), Sri Lanka Astronomical Association (SLAA), and Institute of Astronomy Sri Lanka (IOAS), and many school-based Astronomical Societies.
In recent years, Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) Sri Lanka has become a key organization in the Sri Lankan space sector. Established in September 2018, SEDS Sri Lanka comprises a network of 16 chapters across universities nationwide under the eight main administrative divisions. With more than 5000 students and young professionals, SEDS Sri Lanka stands at the forefront of space research and development within Sri Lanka.
Several projects by SEDS Sri Lanka are currently underway, including Serendib, a high-altitude balloon project for near-space exploration; Sky-Lead, a project to construct a short runway system for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs); ISLE, an underwater monitoring and research project; Oragan, a Cube Satellite project for scientific research and educational projects in space; and Taprobane, first ever analog Mars rover in Sri Lanka.
In addition to these, there are also efforts to promote space education in schools. For example, several chapters on STEM subjects in local school curriculum covers topics about the solar system, eclipses, exploring the universe, artificial satellites, and star constellations. There are also Astronomy societies in schools, astronomy workshops, night-sky observation camps, inter-school quiz competitions, and water rocket competitions.
These initiatives reflect Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing its space sector and providing opportunities for its citizens to engage in space science and technology. These projects will help young Sri Lankans to achieve great opportunities in Space Science sector. As SGAC Sri Lanka, we hope to bring more opportunities to young Sri Lankans to create a better future for Sri Lankans and the Sri Lankan space sector.
Interesting Web Links for Students and Young Space Enthusiasts in Sri Lanka
Communities
SEDS Sri Lanka
https://lk.linkedin.com/company/sedssl
Sri Lanka Astronomical Association (SLAA)
https://www.facebook.com/srilankaastronomicalassociation/
Astronomy and Space Study Centre (ASSC)
https://www.facebook.com/asscsl/
The Institute of Astronomy Sri Lanka (IOAS)
Institutions
Arthur C Clarke Institute of Modern Technologies
Sri Lanka National Planetarium
http://www.planetarium.gov.lk/
Institute of Physics Sri Lanka
Studies
The Open University faculty of natural sciences offers astronomy as a subject in its joint major degree programme.
University of Colombo offers astronomy as subject as part of a physics special degree.