SL announces desire to build nuclear power plants at IAEA General Conference

Wednesday, 1 October 2025 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Ambassador M.R.K. Lenagala

Ambassador Lenagala notes SL’s plans to include nuclear power as an energy source in 2025-2044 expansion plan
Says SL tries to meet dual challenges of climate change and energy security
Outlines several key initiatives SL has undertaken to strengthen the country’s nuclear infrastructure

The Government has announced its intention to explore nuclear power as a reliable, low-carbon energy source to diversify its energy mix and strengthen energy security, at the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held in Vienna from 15 to 19 September.

Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the IAEA Ambassador M.R.K. Lenagala informed the IAEA that Sri Lanka has included nuclear power as an energy source within the base case of CEB Least Cost Long-Term Generation and Expansion Plan 2025-2044.

Delivering the national statement of Sri Lanka at this key event of the IAEA calendar, he underscored that the move reflects Sri Lanka’s efforts to meet the dual challenges of climate change and energy security.

Ambassador Lenagala reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s unwavering support for the IAEA’s mission to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity across the globe.

A briefing on the progress Sri Lanka has made in the use of nuclear applications for peaceful uses was provided, including the establishment of a Cyclotron based radio pharmaceutical proton facility to support PET scanning for cancer diagnosis on an initiative by the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board (SLAEB) with the regulatory approvals from the SLAEB, National Medicines Regulatory Authority and Central Environmental Authority.

While appreciating the IAEA’s continued support and technical guidance towards the progress of Sri Lanka’s peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology including through the Technical Collaboration Projects, the Ambassador outlined several key initiatives that Sri Lanka has undertaken to strengthen the country’s nuclear infrastructure.

Reference was made to the participation of a high delegation led by the Speaker of the Sri Lanka Parliament earlier this year, in a consultative meeting with the IAEA on adherence to global nuclear security framework focused on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its Amendment (CPPNM), as well as to the SLAEB’s hosting of four IAEA follow-up review missions to Sri Lanka, reflecting the country’s continuous engagement with the IAEA.