PM Breaks Silence on SupremeSAT: No Govt Funds, Millions in Revenue

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya addressed Parliament regarding the controversial SupremeSAT satellite project, which has drawn public scrutiny due to its links to Rohitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Responding to a question raised by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP D.V. Chanaka, the Prime Minister provided a detailed account of the project’s financial and operational background, based on official data from the Board of Investment (BOI).

Dr. Amarasuriya stated that the SupremeSAT satellite initiative was launched by Supreme Global Holdings, through its affiliated company SupremeSAT (Pvt) Ltd, which entered into an agreement with the BOI on May 23, 2012.

The project aimed to establish and operate a satellite communication system within the Kandy Industrial Zone, with a total investment of Rs. 1.828 billion.

Importantly, the Prime Minister emphasized that no financial contribution was made by the Government of Sri Lanka toward the project.

According to BOI records, the investment was classified under Section 13 of the BOI Act, identifying it as a domestically focused commercial venture.

The satellite system was designed to provide telecommunication and broadcasting services to local consumers. Dr. Amarasuriya also presented revenue figures reported by SupremeSAT over several fiscal years, indicating consistent financial returns to the country:

2015–2016: Rs. 19,617 million

2016–2017: Rs. 28,133 million

2017–2018: Rs. 29,106 million

2018–2019: Rs. 34,169 million

2019–2020: Rs. 40,960 million

2020–2021: Rs. 62,545 million

2021–2022: Rs. 87,789 million

First half of 2023: Rs. 39,590 million

In response, MP D.V. Chanaka acknowledged the Prime Minister’s clarification, noting that the SupremeSAT project had long been the subject of public speculation, often referred to colloquially as “Chichi’s rocket.” He pointed out that previous claims suggested a $300 million investment had mysteriously disappeared, and even opposition MPs had echoed such concerns.

However, Chanaka commended the Prime Minister for providing what he described as the first official rebuttal to widespread misinformation, highlighting that the project had not only remained active but had also generated substantial annual revenue.

Dr. Amarasuriya reiterated that her response was based solely on verified BOI documentation.