COLOMBO Space visionary Arthur C. Clarke said on Wednesday he was flattered after being knighted by the British government, but said he would not be able to visit London to receive the honor because of ill health. I am flattered. I wish I could go and meet the Queen at the palace, but my health will not permit me, Clarke told Reuters in a telephone interview.

Clarke was among 25 knights and four life peers named by British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Wednesday in his first honors list since taking office in May. Formally the honors are awarded by Queen Elizabeth. I was greatly privileged to receive the CBE (commander of the order of the British empire) some years ago and now I am looking forward to meeting Prince Charles when he comes to Sri Lanka, Clarke said.

The heir to the British throne will be the chief guest when Sri Lanka marks its 50th anniversary of independence from Britain in February. Clarke turned 80 earlier this month, but chose to celebrate his birthday in seclusion in rural Sri Lanka. The British-born Clarke, author of scores of novels and science-fiction books and creator of several documentaries, has lived in Sri Lanka for 30 years.

In the last half century, many of Clarke's predictions have come true, including his then-controversial 1945 outline of a network of geo-stationary communications satellites. He is currently involved in several more films and television programs based on his books. (Reuter)