America’s NASA had spent US$ 2.5 billion, which is approximately Rs. 335,000 million, to land the “Curiosity” craft on Mars.

After spending eight and a half months on the project, the craft landed on Mars on August 6th at 5.32 GMT.

When compared with the monies spent by NASA to send Curiosity to Mars, the state debt of Sri Lanka could help make 15 trips to Mars. The country’s total debt as at end 2011 stands at Rs. 5,133,350 million.

The landing of Curiosity on Mars provided entertainment to many. Hence, the amount of state debt accumulated by Sri Lanka indicates the plight of the “Wonder of Asia.”