India and Japan are considering investing $1.7 million in a project to construct a rocket launch pad in the Hambantota , a southern district of Sri Lanka, according to Sunday Mawbima.
If the project succeeds, it is expected to create around 4,000 new job opportunities for Sri Lankans. Japan has already shown strong interest, and a Japanese delegation has arrived in Sri Lanka to assess the necessary qualifications.
The Japanese government-affiliated space rocket company, Astro Lab, plans to establish this project in Sri Lanka. Additionally, India is also considering similar projects in Hambantota.
Experts estimate that the economic benefits of constructing air and space runways in the country could reach billions of dollars. Hambantota, Kirinda, and Yala have attracted interest in space investments due to their low gravity and proximity to the sea.
Experts believe that Hambantota is particularly suitable for space operations because of its lower gravity compared to other regions. The Mattala Airport and Hambantota Port are expected to be used for supplying these projects.
