A Space Policy for Sri Lanka: A Need of the Hour

Abstract

Space Law which is a new branch of International Law is a body of law applicable to governing space related activities in outer space. It involves a responsible approach to the exploration and use of outer space for the benefit and in the interests of all humankind. Space Law consists of two layers of Laws and Regulations. The first layer is INTERNATIONAL SPACE LAW which regulates rights and obligations of States and intergovernmental organizations in outer space. And the second layer NATIONAL SPACE LAW which is for the implementation of State's international obligations under treaties, and to regulate the activities in outer space which are not covered by international treaties. Thus National Laws complements the deficiency of International Legislation to some extent. Today that a trend could be observed among the states that not only the major space faring nations such as Russia and USA but also non-space faring nations such as Australia and Argentina also have taken steps to implement national policies on activities in outer space and corresponding legislation. Some factors that laid to this are private actors within the states engaging in space activities, power play and pressure, making use of satellites and issues regarding sovereignty. The objective of this paper is to examine the steps that Sri Lanka should take in order to design and implement an outer space policy based on the above discussed developments and approaches of the other states. This study is largely based on qualitative approach which is a contemporary study on legislations of the countries which engage and not engage in the space activities with UN conventions on outer space and relevant scholarly works. Thus the conclusion emphasis that nation should establish a space policy to address its needs with implementation guidelines.