Lanka committed to global nuclear safety standards, says Minister

Sri Lanka remains firmly committed to upholding international standards in nuclear safety and security, Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena said on Monday (13).

Addressing the opening of the Regional Training Course on Basic Introduction to Nuclear Forensics in Colombo, the Minister said strengthening regulatory frameworks and technical expertise was vital to safeguarding national security amid growing global concerns over the unauthorised and malicious use of nuclear and radioactive materials.

The five-day programme, organised by the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council (SLAERC) in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), began yesterday and will continue until July 17.

Prof. Abeysena said nuclear forensics plays a critical role in investigating incidents involving nuclear or radioactive materials, identifying their origin and supporting law enforcement agencies.

"In today's world, where the risk of unauthorised and malicious use of nuclear and radioactive materials remains a global concern, nuclear forensics is essential to strengthening national and regional preparedness to respond to criminal or intentional acts involving such materials," he said.

The programme follows discussions on implementing the Integrated Nuclear Security Sustainability Plan (INSSP) and aims to strengthen national and regional capabilities to address threats involving radioactive materials while enhancing nuclear security.

It is also expected to raise awareness among participants on the role of nuclear forensics within a national response framework for tackling criminal or intentional unauthorised acts involving nuclear or other radioactive materials, related facilities and associated activities.