Sri Lanka has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining international standards on nuclear safety and security, with Science and Technology Minister Chrishantha Abeysena highlighting the country’s continued efforts to strengthen its regulatory and technical capabilities.
The Minister made the remarks while addressing the opening session of a regional training workshop on Nuclear Forensic Science, jointly organised by the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council (SLAERC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The programme, which commenced in Colombo on July 13, will continue until July 17.
Held under the Integrated Nuclear Security Sustainability Plan (INSSP), the workshop aims to enhance national and regional capacity to prevent and respond to incidents involving nuclear and radioactive materials.
Addressing participants, Minister Abeysena said nuclear forensic science plays a vital role in identifying radioactive materials, investigating nuclear-related incidents and supporting law enforcement agencies. He noted that strengthening scientific expertise and technical knowledge is essential to improving preparedness against illicit activities involving nuclear substances.
The Minister also stressed the importance of maintaining effective regulatory frameworks and building technical expertise to safeguard national security while meeting internationally recognised nuclear safety standards.
The training programme is expected to improve awareness of nuclear forensic science, strengthen investigative capabilities, enhance coordination among relevant agencies and boost regional preparedness to respond to incidents involving nuclear or radioactive materials.
The workshop brings together international experts and representatives from several IAEA member states, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Mongolia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, along with senior officials from the IAEA and the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council.
