Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary has convened discussions with licensed explosives operators to tackle sector-wide issues ranging from storage and transportation to supply chain management and regulatory procedures.

Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, facilitated a meeting at Defence Ministry headquarters with representatives from the explosives licensing sector to examine operational difficulties and potential improvements to regulatory frameworks.

The discussions brought industry concerns to the forefront, with licensees raising issues spanning multiple areas of their operations. Key topics included the adequacy of storage infrastructure, protocols for transporting explosives, ensuring consistent supply availability, handling and disposing of expired materials, and standardized quality testing requirements. The Defence Ministry stated that the Secretary acknowledged these concerns and directed relevant personnel to develop appropriate remedial measures.

The meeting drew participation from senior officials across multiple agencies, including the Additional Secretary for Civil Security and Development, the State Trading Corporation Chairman, the Deputy Controller of Explosives, and Assistant Controllers of Explosives, alongside representatives from the CEFAP Unit. Industry stakeholders attending represented licensed operators from different regions of the country.

According to the Defence Ministry, the engagement aimed to strengthen working relationships between regulatory bodies and industry participants while streamlining administrative and operational procedures governing explosives management and oversight. Officials emphasized the importance of coordinated approaches to enhance sector efficiency.