United States and Sri Lanka enhance nuclear smuggling detection

The United States and Sri Lanka have enhanced their cooperation to detect and deter the illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials. Through a five-day workshop held from September 21 to 25, U.S. experts from the Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD) worked alongside the Sri Lanka Navy and various national agencies.

The program focused on developing standard operating procedures for detection operations, integrating international best practices with Sri Lanka’s existing legislative and regulatory frameworks. The initiative aimed to improve coordination between multiple domestic entities, including the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council and Board, Sri Lanka Customs, the Ports Authority, the Disaster Management Center, the Director General of Merchant Shipping, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, and the Attorney General’s Department.

U.S. Ambassador Eric Meyer stated that the partnership provides Sri Lankan agencies with practical tools to prevent illicit materials from moving through the country’s ports or waters, which serves to protect vital Indian Ocean trade routes and enhance regional security.