Sri Lanka reaffirms commitment to nuclear safety standards

Sri Lanka is working with strong dedication to uphold international standards on nuclear safety and security, Minister of Science and Technology Chrishantha Abeysena said on Monday (13). He made the statement as Chief Guest at the regional introductory training workshop on Nuclear Forensic Science, jointly organized by the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council (SLAERC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The programme opened on 13 July in Colombo and will run until 17 July. The workshop was convened as part of the Integrated Nuclear Security Sustainability Plan (INSSP), reflecting Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening national and regional capacities to counter threats linked to radioactive materials and ensure nuclear security. “This scientific and technical knowledge is essential for investigating incidents, identifying sources of materials, and supporting law enforcement agencies. Through such training programmes, the preparedness of regional countries to respond to crimes or illicit acts involving nuclear materials is further strengthened,” Minister Abeysena said, stressing the importance of nuclear forensic science in today’s world. He further emphasized that robust regulatory frameworks and technical expertise are vital for national security, underscoring Sri Lanka’s role in maintaining global standards. The training aims to raise awareness of nuclear forensic science within national response frameworks, enhance investigative technologies, improve inter‑agency coordination, and strengthen regional preparedness against unauthorized acts involving nuclear or radioactive materials. International experts and representatives from IAEA member states including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Mongolia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka are participating in the programme, alongside senior officials from SLAERC and the IAEA. (Newswire)