SriLankan Airlines Makes ShakthiSAT Mission Possible for Talented Sri Lankan Student

20 August 2026; Colombo – SriLankan Airlines is making Mission ShakthiSAT possible for Sri Lanka’s Official Student Representative, Seneesa Goonewardena, and ShakthiSAT (Devi) Ambassador for Sri Lanka, Dr. Sulochana Segera, by sponsoring their travel to India to participate in the groundbreaking project that will bring together young girls from 108 countries to collaboratively design and build a satellite for the first time. Empowering young minds to pursue their dreams has long been at the heart of SriLankan Airlines’ corporate social responsibility efforts. The airline has worked with numerous schools over the years, including many in rural communities, helping foster better learning journeys. 

Seneesa Goonewardena was selected following a highly competitive national selection process that engaged more than 200 Sri Lankan schoolgirls in specialised STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education programmes designed to introduce them to space technology. The programme was launched in Sri Lanka by Dr. Srimathy Kesan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Space Kidz India, who is recognised internationally for leading one of the world's largest educational satellite and rocket programmes. 

The next phase of Mission ShakthiSAT will take place from 22 – 31 August 2026 at Gautam Buddha University in India, bringing together student delegates for advanced satellite integration, leadership development, cultural exchange and international STEM programmes, ahead of the satellite’s targeted launch between September and October 2026.

Deepal Perera, Manager Corporate Communications at SriLankan Airlines, stated, “We are delighted to support Seneesa Goonewardena and Dr. Sulochana Segera on this remarkable journey and to contribute to Sri Lanka’s participation in Mission ShakthiSAT. We hope Seneesa’s achievement will inspire students across the island to believe that with determination and perseverance, they can achieve their goals. We encourage students to make the most of every opportunity to learn, explore their interests, and pursue their ambitions with purpose. As the national carrier, we are proud to support this pioneering mission and to see a young Sri Lankan take their place on an international platform in space exploration.”

Expressing her excitement about the opportunity, Seneesa Goonewardena, said, “Being selected to represent Sri Lanka in the ShakthiSAT space journey is a dream come true, and I feel incredibly proud to carry my country’s name on this international mission. At 18, this experience reminds me that there are no limits to what young girls can achieve when we dare to dream. I am also proud to begin this journey by flying with our national carrier, SriLankan Airlines. I hope my journey will inspire more young Sri Lankan girls to look towards science, technology and space and believe that they too can reach for the stars.”

Dr. Sulochana Segera added, “I am so happy to bring this opportunity to Sri Lanka and open doors for our girls to dream beyond the skies. ShakthiSAT is not just an event or a mission it is the beginning of a long-term journey. STEM education should not be an option for our country; it must be an essential part of our education. As the ShakthiSAT Ambassador for Sri Lanka, I feel immense pride knowing that on International Day of the Girl Child, our Sri Lankan flag will be placed on the Moon, following a small step I took just five months ago. And we are equally proud to begin this journey flying with our national carrier, SriLankan Airlines.”

From creating opportunities for children to explore the aviation industry, and supporting educational field trips, to providing facilities, learning aids and stationery for children from low-income families, organising wellbeing workshops, and supporting the development of sports skills in schools, SriLankan Airlines has always championed education and youth development. Today, the airline is proud to be a part of a pioneering global project that is expanding access to STEM education and inspiring the next generation, particularly girls, to explore possibilities beyond the boundaries they thought possible.

About SriLankan Airlines

SriLankan Airlines connects passengers to 130 destinations across 63 countries through its own services and codeshare partnerships. Its direct network spans Europe, Australia, the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and the Far East. The airline operates an all-Airbus fleet comprising state-of-the-art A330-200/300 and A320/321 aircraft. For more information and to make bookings, visit www.srilankan.com or follow us on social media.

About Space Kidz India 

Space Kidz India (SKI) is one of India's leading space education organizations and an emerging aerospace startup founded by Dr. Srimathy Kesan. Through 27 successful space missions, including KalamSAT and AzaadiSAT, Space Kidz India has inspired and empowered millions of students by providing practical exposure to satellite engineering, space science, innovation, and international collaboration. Today, Space Kidz India works with governments, universities, industries, diplomats, scientists, and educators across the globe to make space education accessible to every child.
 

About Mission ShakthiSAT 

Mission ShakthiSAT is the world's first global all-girls lunar satellite mission. The mission brings together 12,000 girls from over 100 countries, providing them with hands-on engineering experience while promoting international cooperation in science, technology, diplomacy, and innovation. Mission ShakthiSAT is much more than a satellite mission. It is a global movement that unites nations through education, engineering, peace, and scientific collaboration, while inspiring the next generation of women leaders in aerospace and emerging technologies.

Technical Highlights 

    Satellite Configuration: 12U Lunar Satellite 
    Mission: Lunar Payload Demonstration 
    Engineering Models: Three payload engineering models will be designed and integrated during the programme. 
    International Payload Development Partners: 
    University – Australia 
    University of South Alabama – USA 
    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – USA
    Shamal Space – Brazil
    SMW Engineering – Lesotho
    Egyptian Space Agency – Egypt

Programme Schedule

    22 August – Arrival of International Delegations
    23 August – National Space Day Celebrations Programme Orientation Formation of International Teams
    24 August – Official Mission Inauguration International Diplomatic Meet & Greet CubeSAT Workshops Technical Presentations Interaction with Scientists and Engineers Cultural Evening
    25 August – Yoga & Meditation Payload Sessions with International Contributors Cultural Programme
    26 August – Payload Design Workshops Lunar Mission Workshops Engineering Sessions
    27 August – Engineering Model Integration Activities Industrial Visit (Proposed)
    28 August – Global Women Leadership & Diplomacy Summit Engineering Model Reviews Technical Documentary Filming Graduation & Award Ceremony Proposed Official Dinner 
    29 August – Student Assessment Space Meets Fashion – International Innovation Showcase
    30 August – Cultural Tour and Sightseeing 
    31 August – Departure of International Delegations