Multi purpose gamma irradiation facility in Biyagama

Multi Purpose Gamma Irradiation facility (MGIF) is being constructed at Biyagama Export Processing Zone and hope to open for Sri Lankan Industrialists in June 2013.

MGIF is important for any country for applications of gamma radiation for variety of important uses such as medical product sterilisation, microbial dis-infestations of food products and spices, radiation preservation of food and for development of new industrial materials.

In addition to commercial operation, the plant will also be available for research and development activities of National Universities, and other research institutions.

Objectives of the operation of MGIF include: Establishment of new industries which require gamma sterilisation, value addition to the products that are now exported in the un-sterilised condition and increase foreign exchange, securing better international markets for local products such as spices and sea food, increase the level of sterility of medical items used in the health care sector while reducing the importing costs for the sterile medical products to the country, prepare the local industry to phase out chemicals that are used for chemical sterilisation, development of new industrial raw materials such as radiation vulcanised natural rubber latex, assisting small and medium enterprises to start industries that require gamma sterilisation and attract foreign investors to invest in the country and utilize the services provided by the MGIF.

The facility will provide Irradiation services for sterilisation of rubber surgical gloves, irradiation services for sterilisation of other medical products such as syringes, catheters, sterile dressings, IV infusion solutions (assuming new industries will be established for production of such products), irradiation services for spices and irradiation services for food products among others.

Yesterday the Atomic Energy Authority with collaboration of Export Development Board held conducted a workshop to introduce gamma irradiation technology to the Sri Lankan industrialists.

Resource person was IAEA expert Dr. Iwona Kaluska. Over 100 industrialists participated at the workshop from different disciplines including manufacturers and exporters from medical sector, food sector, spices and herbs sector, tea sector, researchers and rubber glove manufacturers.