US provides radiation detection equipment to Colombo Port

Friday, 9 May 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

US Ambassador Julie Chung alongside officials from Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Sri Lanka Customs, Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board, Colombo West International Terminal and US Department of Energy

US Ambassador Julie Chung alongside CWIT CEO Munish Kanwar observing the operations room at CWIT

Marks 20 years of port security cooperation

The US has recently provided $ 500,000 worth new radiation detection equipment to Colombo Port’s West Container Terminal (WCT), the US Embassy said.

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung commissioned new radiation detection equipment at Port of Colombo on 28 March, provided by the US Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA)’s Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD) through its Megaports Initiative.

The equipment will be used to detect and alert authorities to the presence of radioactive materials, supporting Sri Lanka’s national port security regulations, strengthening global supply chain security and extending America’s security perimeter by detecting threats at key transit hubs before they reach US or international shores.

Senior officials from Sri Lanka Customs, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, and the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board joined the commissioning ceremony and partnered with US experts to train Sri Lankan instructors and maintenance technicians.

Since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2004, the US and Sri Lanka have worked closely through the Megaports Initiative to prevent the spread of nuclear and other radioactive materials through the Port of Colombo.

Highlighting the strength of the partnership, US Ambassador Chung stated, “Sri Lanka is one of our longest-standing partners in the fight against nuclear smuggling. With over $ 31 million — more than Rs. 9 billion — invested since 2004, the Megaports Initiative has strengthened Sri Lanka’s ability to secure one of the world’s most strategic maritime trade routes. Today’s commissioning at the Port of Colombo marks another milestone in our 20-year partnership and shared commitment to protecting global supply chains, preventing the spread of nuclear materials, and detecting dangerous materials before they can cross borders.”

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