• Power and Energy Minister says proposals received from Russia, US, India, and European countries 
• Says CEB’s 2023-2042 generation does not include nuclear power

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said yesterday that Sri Lanka is evaluating offers for nuclear power plants from various countries, including Russia, the United States, India, and several European nations.

Minister Wijesekera dismissed claims of a deal with Russian nuclear giant Rosatom, emphasising the need to determine the appropriate technology for the country and pre-plan various factors.

“Besides Rosatom, other companies and countries, including India, European nations, and the United States, have presented proposals with different nuclear power plant technologies deemed suitable for Sri Lanka. The objective is to select the most suitable technology that aligns with the country’s needs,” he told journalists at the Presidential Media Centre titled ‘Collective path to a stable country’.

He said the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) 2023-2042 generation plan does not include nuclear power, adding the necessity of assessing when nuclear power generation will be required.

Minister Wijesekera clarified that no agreement has been reached with any company or country regarding the construction of Sri Lanka’s first nuclear power plant by 2032.

Russia has expressed its willingness to build a nuclear power plant in Sri Lanka if granted permission by the Government, but concerns have been raised locally and internationally regarding such projects.

He stressed that opting for a nuclear power plant requires a well-considered decision, citing there are many aspects to be considered. 

“We need not be fearful, as numerous nations worldwide have successfully embraced nuclear energy. Even our neighbouring countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have opted for nuclear power plants,” he added.

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