Great day for all Sri Lankans – President – Daily News

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“I share the prides and joy of all Sri Lankans as we move to the realm of space, as the rocket launched today, taking the Supreme SAT-1 satellite into orbit, carries our National Flag into the new frontier of space,” states President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a message to mark the occasion.

The President’s message adds: “This is a major beginning for Sri Lanka to benefit from Space Technology in communications, and give the country a strong position in satellite and space industry in the South Asian Region.

“The Supreme SAT-1 satellite is designed to provide ‘Direct To Home’ (DTH) Television services to the South Asian Region, and will cater to the fast growing DTH industry both in Sri Lanka and the Region, bringing affordable TV, especially to rural communities.

“It is noteworthy that Supreme SAT (Pvt) Ltd., that is launching this satellite, is a wholly Sri Lankan owned company with an investment commitment of US$ 320 million. The launch of Supreme SAT-1, at the Xi Chang Launch Centre in China, is the result of a partnership the Sri Lanka company has with the China Satellite Communications Co. Ltd.

“Supreme SAT also has an exclusive partnership with China’s State-owned China Greatwall Industry Corporation, to develop space related business in Sri Lanka and South Asia. These business associations have enabled Supreme SAT to build a state-of-the-art Satellite Ground Station at Pallekele, which will control Supreme SAT-1. It will also function as a Space Academy within Sri Lanka, offering great opportunities for the training of Sri Lankans in the space industry that demands very high skills.

“The launch of this satellite will be the beginning of more such ventures that will help promote Foreign Direct Investment, increase export earnings to the country, and help greatly in the transfer of technology within and outside this Region.

“I congratulate Supreme SAT (Private) Limited for this great entrepreneurial venture that takes Sri Lanka to a new age in its development and industrial progress, and wish it every success in meeting the challenges of the future” the President’s message adds.

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