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.
Getting involved is easier than you think, and it’s an adventure that brings science and communication to life!
S. Thomas’ Preparatory School registered as an Amateur Radio Station with the call sign 4S6STP
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 ASL 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
The Radio Society of Sri Lanka and its’ membership
The Radio Society of Sri Lanka (RSSL) 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.
We are forever thankful for these members of the Radio Society assisting the Scout Group and the school:
- Tharanga Premathileke 4S6TMP (President of RSSL)
- Victor Goonathilake 4S7VK (Secretary of RSSL)
- Jaliya Lokeshwara 4S7JL (Vice President of RSSL)
- Nadila Kulanatha 4S7NAD
- Ravindu Balasooriya 4S6RVD
- Nayomi Ariyadasa 4S7NL
- Nayana Rajapakshe 4S7NDR
- Bharat Aponso 4S6ABC
- Priyankara Perera 4S5PRI
A special token of appreciation was given to the Radio Society of Sri Lanka by Headmaster Reverend Nihal Fernando on 12th November 2024. Mr. Victor Goonathilake 4S7VK received the plaque and the headmaster received an Antenna Booklet as a radio gesture in welcoming the new Station.
Special thanks to these individuals for making this station registration a success:
- Headmaster Reverend Nihal Fernando of S. Thomas’ Prep School
- Group Scout Leader Miss Yvonne Charles
- Group Advisor Sujiv Fonseka
- Scout Leader Ravindu Huladduwa
- Asst Scout Leader Nithieskanna Sivaraj
- Asst Scout Leader Nandun Thotawatte
The Amateur Radio Station and its’ future
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.
Our Supporters and Sponsors
ARDC
4S6STP Scout Amateur Radio Station is a proud grantee of Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) from the United States of America. ARDC is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to advancing the art and science of amateur (ham) radio, wireless technology, and digital communications.
The organization is uniquely funded. In the early days of the internet, a massive block of IPv4 addresses known as 44Net (or AMPRNet) was allocated to ham radio operators for digital experimentation. In 2019, ARDC sold a portion of these incredibly valuable, now-scarce web addresses, generating an endowment of roughly $109 million to fund a permanent grant-making program.
Whom They Support
Because ARDC requires all funded projects to be open-access—meaning any resulting software, hardware, or research documentation must be shared freely with the public—they exclusively back non-commercial entities. They primarily provide financial support to:
- Educational Institutions & Youth Groups: They fund universities, schools, and youth organizations (such as the YOTA Summer Camp and the Illini Solar Car team) to get kids and students hands-on experience with wireless engineering and STEM fields.
- Amateur Radio Clubs: They support local ham radio clubs (such as the Tri Lakes Amateur Radio Club and Greater Bridgeport Amateur Radio Club) to upgrade equipment, build repeaters, and expand technical outreach.
- Researchers & Developers: They award grants to technical teams working on open-source software-defined radios (SDRs), new modulation techniques, and open-source communication protocols.
- Aspiring Engineers (via Scholarships): They partner with major national organizations like the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) to issue technical scholarships to students pursuing degrees in digital communication sciences.
4S6STP Scout Amateur Radio Station had the opportunity of receiving a grant of $3500 to equip the station and start DX’ing in 2025.
A humble thank you for ARDC for enabling and sponsoring the establishment of club station.
OCE
Open Collective Europe (OCE) is a Brussels-based public benefit foundation that serves as the largest fiscal host in Europe. It allows grassroots movements, open-source developers, and social impact initiatives to collect funds, manage expenses, and operate transparently without needing to set up their own legal entity.
4S6STP Scout Amateur Radio Station was accepted by Open Collective Europe and allows any party to support financially to the OCE Collective.
Humble Thanks to Ivan and the team for assisting the club station.
WiMo Antennen und Elektronics GmbH
4S6STP Amateur Radio Station of Prep Scouts STPS had the liberty of meeting Mr. Markus, General Manager of WiMo Electronics and Antenna establishment in Germany. WiMo empowers technological , communication solutions across the world and market leader for ham radio products in Europe.
Mr. Markus donated Amateur Radio equipment to aid equipping 4S6STP Scout Amateur Radio Station which sparked interest in young Scouts. This donation included a long range High Frequency Antenna to communicate to different parts of the world from Sri Lanka.
A special meeting was organized to host them and appreciate whilst they were in Sri Lanka during their vacation.
The meeting was organized by Group Scout Leader Miss Yvonne Charles, Station Custodian Asst. Scout Leader Tithira Jayasekera 4S6TKA, Asst. Scout Leader Nithieskanna Sivaraj, Senior Scout S. Kanujan, Senior Scout Januth Karunasiri, Junior Scout Yevan Samarasinghe.
Update:
First Package: An Icom Handheld ID50E and a multi band End-Fed Antenna shipped in august 2025 when he wanted to donate these two items and surprise us. However due to an authorization letter requested by FedEx although other documents, clearance submitted, the package still in a halt position until the authorization letter is given by the 3rd party. The package was abandoned due to the failure of obtaining the letter.
Second Package: The second shipment is currently in the final stage, pending custom clearance (duty paid). A Mobile UHF/VHF Radio, A multi band End-fed antenna, 3 handheld devices were sent by Mr. Markus and the team. These devices would be much help for the cub station and to enable long range contacts.
Something to admire
Mr. Markus and his family hadn’t thought about a vacation in Sri Lanka. This is their first time. They designed a top notch vacation plan to Sri Lanka just for this and enjoy the country whilst their stay.
We are very thankful for Mr. Markus, Mr. Uli, WiMo in whole for being a pillar of strength to 4S6STP Scout Amateur Radio Station and we wish all the best for their organization.
Quansheng
Quansheng, being one of the largest Amateur Radio Communication device manufactures in China, contributed to the club station to equip 4 devices for Scout activities.
Support Our Radio Station!
Recent Jamboree-On-The-Air 2024 with Station Call Sign – Album
Our station is currently in the process of getting equipped and does not have any radio equipment yet. We are open to donations and would deeply appreciate any support from the old boys community. If you would like to assist us, please reach out via email at prepscouts@gmail.com for guidance on donation procedures.
Financial contributions could be credited to the School’s Scout Group account with Amateur Radio Station as the remark.
You can now use Open Collective portal to contribute to the station via: https://opencollective.com/4s6stp-amateur-radio-station
0860-00040844-001
39th Colombo Scout Group
Seylan Bank - Millenium Branch
Narration: Amateur Radio Station
If you have used or spare radio equipment willing to donate, please reach us via prepscouts@gmail.com
Thank you!
Yours in Scout Service,
4S6STP
