- By Chula Goonasekera (on behalf of the LEADS Forum)
(Lanka-e-News -30.April.2026, 1.45 PM) Small nations often learn difficult lessons too late. Our long-standing dependence on imported fossil fuels—encouraged by successive governments—has left us vulnerable to global price fluctuations beyond our control. The resulting cost-of-living pressures are a direct consequence of policy choices that undervalued investment in domestic renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
The United Kingdom, for example, is moving toward requiring solar panels on most new homes under forthcoming building regulations—despite its North Sea oil reserves and relatively limited sunshine. This reflects foresight and strategic planning rather than complacency.
The lesson is clear: strategic investment must anticipate future vulnerabilities, not merely react to present crises. Today, we must consider space exploration as a critical juncture.
Today, a similar risk is emerging in our growing dependence on external digital and space-based infrastructure. Communications, navigation, finance, and even national security systems increasingly rely on satellites and networks owned and controlled by others. This dependence raises important questions about sovereignty, data security, and long-term resilience. If left unaddressed, such reliance could gradually erode national autonomy—often without immediate visibility until it is too late.
In this context, space exploration should be understood not as a luxury but as a long-term strategic investment. It begins with developing human capital—education, research, and technical capability.
The LEADS Forum recently hosted a discussion led by Nandasiri Jasentuliyana, former Deputy Director-General of the United Nations and former Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. His career stands as an inspiring example of how individuals from modest beginnings can reach the highest global platforms through perseverance and education.(Related Video can watch at end of the article)
He emphasised that space is one of the most promising investment frontiers, offering significant long-term returns. The global space economy is already estimated to exceed $600 billion, with studies suggesting returns of several multiples for every dollar invested.
Recent developments underscore this momentum. Artemis II—concluded as the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years—signals renewed global commitment to lunar exploration. Meanwhile, countries such as Japan are actively researching space-based solar power systems.
Closer to home, Chandrayaan-3 demonstrated that cost-effective space missions (at 1/3 the cost of our Mattala Airport project) are achievable, reinforcing that even developing nations can participate meaningfully in this domain.
Space capability is no longer confined to exploration alone. It underpins:
* Economic growth and innovation
Satellites enable telecommunications, GPS, weather forecasting, and financial systems. Space programmes also generate high-value industries and technological spin-offs in healthcare, materials science, and computing.
* National security and independence
Indigenous space capabilities reduce reliance on external systems for communication, navigation, and surveillance, enhancing resilience and strategic autonomy.
* Scientific advancement
Space-based observation improves understanding of climate change, disaster prediction, and fundamental science.
* Education and human capital
Space programmes inspire students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving.
* International cooperation and prestige
Participation in global space initiatives enhances diplomatic standing and opens avenues for collaboration.
Space exploration also raises important ethical challenges, including environmental concerns such as space debris, equitable access to space resources, and planetary protection.
The 1967 Outer Space Treaty remains the cornerstone of international space law, and we can be proud that a Sri Lankan, Nandasiri Jasentuliyana, played a leading role in its development. It declares space the “province of all mankind,” prohibits national sovereignty claims, and bans weapons of mass destruction in space. However, emerging issues—particularly commercial space mining and orbital congestion—highlight gaps that require updated governance.
Critics often argue that space investment diverts resources from pressing social needs. This concern is valid, especially in developing countries. However, international experience shows that targeted, cost-effective space investment can deliver substantial economic and societal returns without excessive expenditure.
Space should not be viewed as competing with development—but as enabling it.
Sri Lanka must begin with achievable steps:
* Establish a national steering committee, including local and expatriate experts
* Invest in university and postgraduate education in space-related fields
* Build international partnerships
* Develop incremental capabilities, such as small satellite programmes
Such a strategy would position the country to participate meaningfully in the global space sector while safeguarding long-term national interests.
Space exploration is not about prestige alone, nor is it a distant aspiration. It is about strengthening economic resilience, enhancing national security, advancing science and education, and preserving sovereignty in an increasingly interconnected world.
In short, space exploration is a strategic investment in the future—not a luxury. Many expatriate scientists in this field can help and guide us.
Value and Ethics of Space Exploration’ by Nandasiri Jasentuliyana
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by (2026-04-30 08:26:33)
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