The United States and Sri Lanka have strengthened cooperation to detect and deter the illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive materials, following a five-day workshop involving US experts and Sri Lankan authorities.
According to a statement issued by the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, the programme was conducted from September 21 to 25 through the US Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD), in partnership with the Sri Lanka Navy.
During the workshop, US experts worked with Sri Lankan participants to develop standard operating procedures for nuclear smuggling detection operations, incorporating international best practices while aligning them with Sri Lanka’s legislative and regulatory framework.
The programme also focused on strengthening coordination among national agencies to improve Sri Lanka’s ability to detect and respond to the illicit movement of nuclear and other radioactive materials.
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer said the cooperation would provide Sri Lankan agencies with practical tools to detect illicit nuclear material and prevent it from moving through the country’s ports or waters.
He said strengthening such capabilities would enhance security in Sri Lanka, protect important Indian Ocean trade routes and contribute to the security of the United States and its partners.
Representatives from the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council and Board, Sri Lanka Customs, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Disaster Management Center, Director General of Merchant Shipping, Sri Lanka Coast Guard and the Attorney General’s Department also participated in the workshop. (Newswire)
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