Historic 'Space Academy' launched in Kandy
Shirajiv SIRIMANE in Kandy
The foundation stone for the proposed historic "Space Academy" of
SupremeSAT was laid at the Kandy BOI zone on Tuesday, by visiting Vice
Minister of Industries and Information Technology, of the People's
Republic of China, Chen Qiufa together with top Chinese executives.
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A special gift being presented. Pictures by Saliya Rupasinge |
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Vijith Pieris, CEO of The Supreme Group and Liu Donghu
General Manager, of 'Beijing Aerospace Greatwall Minerals
Investment Corporation', signing an agreement. |
Vice Minister of Industries and Information Technology Chen Qifa,
said that he was happy to witness the signing of the ground breaking
programme of teleport cooperation with the CNSA and the Space Academy of
SupremeSAT in Sri Lanka.
"Space industry is a very important intergrowth part, of a country's
industrial system. Sri Lanka is at a very critical and historical stage,
of devoting to the development of national economy and strengthening the
civilian construction." "It is of great significance for the government
of Sri Lanka to select the development of the space industry to promote
or trigger the development and the progress of economy and the social
development. And we are convinced that this action will bring true
benefits to the people of Sri Lanka.
"As China is an old friend of Sri Lanka, it will always give full
support to Sri Lanka in its development of science, technology and
social progress."
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Replica of a Space Ship being displayed. |
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Special invitees being conducted to the venue. |
"We will devote all our efforts and give our true contribution, to
achieve this goal. I wish longevity to the friendship between China and
Sri Lanka and full success of the programme of the teleport in Sri
Lanka."
The project is a joint venture between SupremeSAT (Pvt) Ltd, the
first and only satellite operator of Sri Lanka, in partnership with with
the China Greatwall Industry Corporation and Sino Satellite
Communications Company Ltd.
The total investment of this programme would be around US $ 60
million. This is the first Chinese investment for the Kandy district,
and this would also be the first step towards sending a Sri Lankan to
space.
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Top executives of some of the largest and powerful Chinese
state companies inclusive of China Aerospace Science and
Technology Corporation, China Satellite Communications
Company Ltd and Aerospace Long March International Trade
Company Ltd participated at this event along with Chief
Minister Central Province, Sarath Ekanayake and Governor
Central Province, Tikiri Kobbekaduwa laying the foundation
stone. |
The Academy would offer 'On the Job', training for Sri Lankans who
could interact with the already co-branded satellites of SupremeSAT/Chinasatcom
as a preparatory measure to be geared to handle the fully owned
satellite of SupremeSAT which will be launched in December 2015.
In addition, to this, another historic investment agreement was
signed between The Supreme Group and 'Beijing Aerospace Greatwall
Minerals Corporation', wherein the mineral reserves held by the company
regionally was assigned to the Chinese company for mining as well as
future reserve enhancement purposes.
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Vice Minister of Industries and Information Technology,
People's Republic of China, addressing event |
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