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 August 22 – 31, 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.
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