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US, Sri Lanka strengthen nuclear smuggling detection capabilities

The United States and Sri Lanka have strengthened cooperation to detect and prevent the illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials following a five-day workshop conducted in Colombo from September 21 to 25.

The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD), partnered with the Sri Lanka Navy to conduct the workshop, which focused on strengthening Sri Lanka’s capacity to identify and respond to nuclear smuggling threats.

U.S. experts worked with Sri Lankan participants to develop standard operating procedures for nuclear smuggling detection operations. The procedures were developed with reference to international best practices while being tailored to Sri Lanka’s existing legislative and regulatory framework.

The workshop also focused on improving coordination among Sri Lankan agencies involved in detecting and responding to the illicit movement of nuclear and other radioactive materials.

“ Nuclear material in the wrong hands can have consequences far beyond any one country’s borders,” U.S. Ambassador Eric Meyer said.

“Through this partnership, we’re giving Sri Lankan agencies practical tools to detect illicit nuclear material and stop it before it can move through Sri Lanka’s ports or waters. That strengthens security here, protects vital Indian Ocean trade routes, and helps keep Americans and our partners safer,” he said.

The U.S. Embassy said the initiative was intended to ensure that the knowledge gained through the training would translate into practical procedures that Sri Lankan agencies could continue using after the workshop.

The programme is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s long-term capacity to identify potential nuclear smuggling activities and improve the country's ability to respond to illicit trafficking through its ports and maritime areas.

Participants included officials from the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council and Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board, Sri Lanka Customs, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Disaster Management Centre, the Director General of Merchant Shipping, Sri Lanka Coast Guard and the Attorney General’s Department