header logo
SLIC
Rhythms of Lanka
Latest
Google Project Loon’s balloon falls in Pupuressa
Feb 18, 201610:32 AM
Google Project Loon’s balloon falls in Pupuressa
Mobitel inner 1278

The Google Project Loon’s helium-filled balloon which entered Sri Lankan airspace has fallen in Pupuressa area in Gampola, the police confirmed.

 


One of three balloons that would be used in the trials entered Sri Lankan airspace last Monday.

 


With “Project Loon”, the internet giant struggled to find the right balloon design that could be both inexpensive and durable not only to float but navigate to predictably travel through the stratosphere, the experts say.

 


The balloons, once in the stratosphere, will be twice as high as commercial airliners and barely visible to the naked eye. The balloons will have a lifespan of about 180 days, but can be recycled, according to Sri Lankan officials involved in the venture. 

 


Sri Lanka became the first country in South Asia to introduce mobile phones in 1989 and the first to roll out a 3G network in 2004. It was also the first in the region to unveil a 4G network two years ago.

 

 

 

MostRead
Mobitel 1278
VideoStories
Former President Ranil’s facts, data and interpretations are incorrect - Minister Anil Jayantha

Former President Ranil’s facts, data and interpretations are incorrect - Minister Anil Jayantha

Health officials warn public that prolonged heat exposure could be fatal

Health officials warn public that prolonged heat exposure could be fatal

 "Sri Lanka faces new economic crisis after 2028"; Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe warns

"Sri Lanka faces new economic crisis after 2028"; Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe warns

 BASL challenges 22A before SC; calls for full bench to examine the constitutionality of the bill

BASL challenges 22A before SC; calls for full bench to examine the constitutionality of the bill

Govt. ready for public referendum if ordered by SC, 22A Parliament debate in Sept. or Oct. – Nalinda

Govt. ready for public referendum if ordered by SC, 22A Parliament debate in Sept. or Oct. – Nalinda

 22nd Amendment tabled in Parliament by Justice Minister amidst strong opposition

22nd Amendment tabled in Parliament by Justice Minister amidst strong opposition

Bank officials nabbed over US$ 1B Undiyal scheme; Court hears how dollars were transferred overseas

Bank officials nabbed over US$ 1B Undiyal scheme; Court hears how dollars were transferred overseas

 Search continues for missing sailor at Angulana coast for third day; Vessel recovery also delayed

Search continues for missing sailor at Angulana coast for third day; Vessel recovery also delayed

 “Call an election soon or popularity could fall further” Opposition on Govt.’s falling popularity

“Call an election soon or popularity could fall further” Opposition on Govt.’s falling popularity

Don’t be arrogant. Pay attention to the concerns raised by Chief Prelates” — Sajith tells Govt.

Don’t be arrogant. Pay attention to the concerns raised by Chief Prelates” — Sajith tells Govt.

 Can India and Pakistan find common ground ? - Pakistan High Commissioner in Colombo on Hyde Park

Can India and Pakistan find common ground ? - Pakistan High Commissioner in Colombo on Hyde Park

 Sri Lanka Navy vessel located on seabed off Angulana after hours-long search by specialist divers

Sri Lanka Navy vessel located on seabed off Angulana after hours-long search by specialist divers

 Sri Lanka Entrepreneurs Night 2026 held in Melbourne; Australia-based Lankans urged to invest in SL

Sri Lanka Entrepreneurs Night 2026 held in Melbourne; Australia-based Lankans urged to invest in SL

 Warm weather advisory issued for several districts; Drought ravages farmlands across the county

Warm weather advisory issued for several districts; Drought ravages farmlands across the county

 72-hour detention order issued against drug trafficker Shiran Basik

72-hour detention order issued against drug trafficker Shiran Basik

Lassana Flora