Sri Lanka is set to launch the Starlink satellite internet service, founded by billionaire Elon Musk, within the next three months, according to Senior Presidential Advisor Ruwan Wijewardene. Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, Mr. Wijewardene revealed that the application to initiate the service has already been submitted by Elon Musk, and negotiations are currently underway.
“We hope to launch the satellite internet service in three months’ time as soon as the negotiations are completed,” Wijewardene stated. This development marks a significant step forward in Sri Lanka’s digital infrastructure, promising to bring high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas of the country.
The introduction of Starlink, a subsidiary of Musk’s SpaceX, is anticipated to revolutionize Sri Lanka’s internet connectivity. Starlink utilizes a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed, low-latency internet globally. This service is particularly beneficial for regions with limited or no access to traditional internet services.
Moreover, Wijewardene disclosed that following the successful launch of Starlink, discussions will commence regarding the establishment of SpaceX operations in Sri Lanka. This move could potentially position Sri Lanka as a key player in the aerospace industry in the region.
In addition to internet services, Elon Musk has shown interest in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector. “The billionaire expressed his interest in solar energy and had informed President Ranil Wickremesinghe that he plans to visit Sri Lanka to study the sector,” Wijewardene said. This interest was sparked during a recent meeting between Musk and President Wickremesinghe in Indonesia.
The introduction of Starlink is expected to have a significant positive impact on various sectors in Sri Lanka. Highlighting the potential benefits, Wijewardene mentioned that the Maldives has already invited Starlink to enhance its tourism industry. Sri Lanka hopes to replicate this success, with advanced internet services acting as an additional attraction for tourists. “We also think that it will help us to boost local tourism as tourists will be attracted to countries which have advanced services such as Starlink,” he added.
Earlier reports confirmed that Elon Musk accepted an invitation from President Wickremesinghe to visit Sri Lanka this year to launch the Starlink service. This visit and the subsequent launch are highly anticipated, marking a new era in Sri Lanka’s technological and economic development.
With the introduction of Starlink, Sri Lanka stands on the brink of a technological revolution that promises to enhance connectivity, boost tourism, and attract significant investment in the renewable energy sector. The upcoming months will be crucial as the negotiations progress and the groundwork is laid for these transformative initiatives.
