By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana Courtesy The Daily Mirror

The satellite launched by Supreme SAT Ltd. in 2012 with an investment of USD 300 million has paid dividends to the Sri Lankan government totalling an average sum of Rs. 20 billion annually, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said, contradicting earlier statements by Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake. 

Responding to a question raised by SLPP MP D.V. Chanaka, the Prime Minister said the company, which launched the satellite famously known as ‘Chichi’s rocket’, after the project was spearheaded by Rohitha Rajapaksa, the youngest son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, had provided telecommunications services since then. 

MP Chanaka said Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake has given false information that the entity does not exist anymore when he raised a question earlier.  

“This project was known as ‘Chichi’s rocket and the Leader of the House said it has gone astray. The information which the Premier came out today confirms that the Leader of the House has given false information,” the MP said.