The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to formulate a National Space Policy for Sri Lanka, Cabinet spokesperson Minister Vijitha Herath announced on Monday.
Herath said space technology and its applications had become essential tools for national development, with a significant impact on disaster management, communication, security, environmental monitoring and economic forecasting. Given the growing global importance of space technology, he said, the need to establish a unified national framework for space-related activities within the country had been identified.
The Ministry of Science and Technology will lead the work and will draft the policy through a multidisciplinary technical committee comprising experts. Cabinet has approved the Minister’s proposal to appoint that committee.
The proposed policy is expected to facilitate international cooperation, provide the necessary infrastructure and institutional support, and enhance Sri Lanka’s productivity and participation in the global space governance framework. It is also intended to ensure that all national space-related activities are conducted in accordance with international standards, treaties and principles.
The Cabinet decision follows a separate Monday announcement that the GovTech digital marketplace would receive Rs. 563 million in funding, as well as the broader ICTA wind-down into the GovTech and Digital Economy Authority restructuring earlier in the cycle.
Source: Ada Derana.
