A report of unidentified flying objects hovering near a shrimp farm in Sri Lanka has ignited fresh debate among scientists and the public, after a senior physicist confirmed that unusual aerial phenomena were observed near a sensitive communications facility in the early hours of last week. The incident, captured on video and now under review, has drawn attention to a growing number of similar sightings reported in the region.
Professor Chandana Jayaratne, Head of the Department of Physics at the University of Colombo, said the mysterious light was seen near the Iranawila “Voice of America” transmission center at around 3.00 am last Friday. He noted that videos showing unexplained lights and aerial movements are regularly submitted to him and to the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Modern Technologies for observation and preliminary analysis.
According to a shrimp farmer who witnessed the event, the incident began when he noticed a flashing light hovering in the sky above the farm. He said he pointed a flashlight toward the object, and approximately 15 minutes later the light moved rapidly in his direction. The farmer described the object as resembling some kind of aircraft, adding that it appeared to chase him when he panicked and ran away from the area.
The witness further claimed that two bright objects remained visible in the sky until around 5.45 am. A colleague at the farm reportedly managed to record the scene on video, footage that has since circulated and prompted renewed interest from researchers and the public alike.
Professor Jayaratne said that while such sightings often trigger speculation, the priority is to examine the scientific background and verify the authenticity of the images and claims. Scholars are now focusing on determining whether the lights could be explained by known natural phenomena, aircraft activity, or optical effects, or whether further investigation is warranted.
