Eighteen-year-old Seneesa Goonewardena has been chosen to represent Sri Lanka at the ShakthiSAT International Mission, a prestigious space technology program scheduled for August in India.
Seneesa Goonewardena, an 18-year-old student, has secured Sri Lanka's participation in the ShakthiSAT International Mission following a competitive national selection process. According to the Ministry of Digital Economy, Goonewardena was chosen from among 200 Sri Lankan students currently enrolled in the country's specialized STEM education program.
The international program will take place from August 22 to 31, 2026, at Gautam Buddha University in India. During her participation, Goonewardena is scheduled to engage with high-level officials, including the Prime Minister and President of India, reflecting the mission's diplomatic significance.
The Ministry of Digital Economy characterized the initiative as a transformative opportunity for the nation, emphasizing its potential to showcase Sri Lanka's emerging scientific talent in advanced space technology. The selection is described as marking a milestone in both the country's educational development and its participation in international scientific collaboration. Officials highlighted that the program will strengthen Sri Lanka's position within the global scientific community and promote innovation among young researchers.
