4S6STP Amateur Radio Station is run by the Scouts of 39th Colombo Scout Troop and hence it has the club membership of the Radio Society of Sri Lanka, Jamboree-On-The-Air Jamboree-On-The-Internet 2025 was planned ahead at S. Thomas’ Preparat...
Amateur radio, often called “ham radio,” is a fascinating hobby that allows people to communicate worldwide using radio waves. It isn’t just about talking to people in faraway places, but also a fun and educational way for students and scouts to develop valuable life skills.
Why Amateur Radio for Scouts and Students?
Amateur radio provides an incredible opportunity for young people to learn about communication, technology, and community service. By getting involved, students and scouts can understand the science behind how radios work, which covers physics, electronics, and even geography as they learn to connect with people from different parts of the world. This hands-on experience makes STEM subjects come to life, sparking interest in potential careers in technology and engineering.
Benefits for Scouts and Students
Skill Development: Scouts and students learn practical skills like setting up antennas, understanding radio frequency, and operating radio equipment. They also improve communication skills by talking clearly and effectively with other operators.
Emergency Preparedness: Ham radio is often used during emergencies when traditional communication fails. By learning how to use amateur radio, scouts and students can be valuable assets to their communities in times of need, promoting a strong sense of responsibility.
Teamwork and Problem-Solving: Setting up and operating a ham radio station encourages teamwork, as Scouts and students work together to troubleshoot technical issues and find creative solutions.
Global Community: Amateur radio connects young people with a worldwide community. It offers an exciting way to learn about different cultures and make friends across the globe.
Amateur radio also fits in perfectly with scouting values, emphasizing learning, preparedness, and connecting with others. Whether it’s earning a new badge or learning how to assist in emergencies, the skills gained from amateur radio are both rewarding and empowering.
A commemorative plaque was awarded on behalf of 39th Colombo Scout Group to the patron of the Scout group, Reverend Nihal Fernando on 12th October 2024 by PLC Chairman 2024/2024 Master Thenu Senadheera.
K. A. T. D. Jayasekera (Tithira), one of the warranted Asst. Scout Leaders in the 39th Colombo Scout Group obtained his General class license in mid 2024 with the call sign 4S6TKA. This license is given by the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission in Sri Lanka after an initial security clearance via the Ministry of Defense.
Later, the School’s station license was obtained by Assistant Scout Leader Tithira becoming the custodian of the Amateur Radio Station 4S6STP.
License details:
Class: General Class
Call Sign: 4S6STP
Licensed since: 19th September 2024
Custodian: Asst Scout Leader K A T D Jayasekera – 4S6TKA
Handled by: 39th Colombo Scout Troop
Collaboration & Club Membership: The Radio Society of Sri Lanka
An appreciation plaque was awarded on behalf of S. Thomas’ Preparatory School to The Radio Society of Sri Lanka. Mr. Victor Goonathileke receiving the appreciation plaque from Reverend Nihal Fernando.
The Radio Society of Sri Lanka (RSSL) - https://rssl.lk is a prestigious organization dedicated to promoting amateur radio activities in Sri Lanka. Established to unite radio enthusiasts across the country, RSSL plays a pivotal role in fostering a strong community of licensed amateur radio operators. With a rich history and a mission to promote the art and science of radio communication, RSSL offers numerous benefits to its members, making it an invaluable resource for both beginners and experienced operators.
One of its most notable collaborations is with the World Organization of the Scout Movement, where it promotes amateur radio as a skill that aligns with scouting values. The society also coordinates with the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) to ensure that Sri Lankan amateurs are recognized globally.
S. Thomas’ Preparatory School Amateur Radio Station 4S6STP is officially an affiliated club under the Radio Society of Sri Lanka and very grateful towards its’ members for volunteering, supporting the 39th Colombo Scout Group and the students in numerous ways.
The Radio Society of Sri Lanka assisted the Scouts of Prep school to have their first Jamboree-in-the-Air Station with their own radio equipment in 2023 and 2024: both years. Scouts could communicate with other Scouts in the island stationed in other provinces clearly via radio equipment during these events.
The needs:
The Amateur Radio Station is managed by 39th Colombo Scout Troop and any student is welcome to join the radio activities. The station currently do not possess any equipment to transmit and has been borrowing from the members of Radio Society of Sri Lanka.
The Scout Group visits outreach cities and schools in the country and have got the possibility to onboard them for Amateur Radio where all parts of the country and the students could meet other HAM operators outside the country as well.
Our Scout Group is administered by past Scouts whom we call Instructors/Adult Volunteers including myself. We have 6 active Scout Leaders who are warranted Scout Leaders. Asst Scout Leader Tithira Jayasekera is member of the Radio Society of Sri Lanka who is also a member of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) and The Radio Society has been helping us since 2023. The management will be primarily done by myself and the fellow leaders and we seek advice on elmers from the Radio Society to advise for best methodologies and guidelines to support the local regulations from Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka.
Our scope is:
Utilize the Amateur Radio Station 4S6STP at S. Thomas' Preparatory School Colombo 3 Sri Lanka with Radio Equipment to engage students in the school, radio club to engage in the hobby, engage Scouts to contact local Radio Operators and other people at rural areas with obtained equipment legally, engage students and Scouts in the area to join the radio sessions for more excitement including POTA, SOTA contests which are widely known around the world.
Equipping HF, VHF/UHF Base stations
Equipping a few Handhelds for young Scouts to talk
Equipping a permanent antenna for the station: A beam antenna, Multiband Antenna
Fox hunt equipment for Fox hunts during Jamboree-On-The-Air Jamboree-On-The-internet camps
Equipping Cables and connectors
Equipping a Go-To-Box for ready deployment for communication
Reaching schools in rural areas at different terms to facilitate a simple base station and antenna to reach the closest repeater for the 4S6STP station to speak. Since the unlicensed cannot speak, we tend to seek support by a licensed member of the Radio Society living closer to the area to assist the school for communication bi-weekly according to the schedule. A workshop will be planned to teach about Amateur Radio by visiting the schools and having a demonstration
For assistance for Radio licensing, Printing of past papers and license tutes and notes for both Science teachers in rural schools and students on volunteer basis.
We have another admin alongside Asst Scout Leader Tithira Jayasekera, Mr. Nithieskanna Sivaraj who is also a Warranted Scout Leader and well versed with financial reports and accounts management, also who is well versed with Technological aspects.
