SL moves closer to nuke energy goals with IAEA

Colombo, July 15 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka took a major step toward advancing its nuclear energy ambitions by participating in a high-level meeting organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to promote adherence to key global nuclear security frameworks.

A Sri Lankan delegation, including Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne and Science and Technology Minister Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, attended the IAEA-hosted session held July 2–4 at the Vienna International Centre in Austria.

The discussions focused on the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) and its Amendment, both pivotal in the global nuclear security framework.

Other members of the delegation included Deputy Health and Mass Media Minister Dr Hansaka Wijemuni, Deputy Defense Minister Aruna Jayasekara, and Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board Chairperson Dr Thushara Rathnayaka.

They joined global counterparts to explore international cooperation mechanisms, legal safeguards, and standards for the protection of nuclear material and facilities.

The CPPNM, adopted in 1979 and enforced since 1987, establishes binding obligations for safeguarding nuclear materials used for peaceful purposes during international transport.

The 2005 Amendment to the convention, which came into force in 2016, expanded its scope to include domestic use, storage, and transport, and introduced measures against illicit trafficking and sabotage.

Currently, 165 states are party to the CPPNM and 138 to its Amendment.

The IAEA continues to support countries in complying with these frameworks through legislative and technical assistance.

Sri Lanka’s delegates acknowledged the growing importance of adhering to international norms amid regional nuclear developments and its own nuclear energy goals.

The team held bilateral talks with IAEA Deputy Director General Hua Liu, who reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to assist Sri Lanka in implementing peaceful nuclear energy initiatives.

The Sri Lankan delegation concluded by crafting a roadmap for accession to the CPPNM and its Amendment, signaling a key milestone in the nation’s pursuit of safe and secure nuclear power development.