October 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is examining whether nuclear power could become part of its long-term electricity strategy, with the government stressing that any decision must be guided by scientific evidence, stringent safety standards and international safeguards.
Minister of Science and Technology Professor Chrishantha Abeysena outlined the country’s position while attending the Sixth International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Energy, organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Incheon, South Korea.
The Minister was accompanied by Professor Tushara Ratnayake, Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board, and other members of the Sri Lankan delegation.
Addressing the international gathering, Professor Abeysena said Sri Lanka was seeking to establish an electricity system that could deliver reliable supplies at affordable prices while remaining environmentally sustainable. Nuclear energy was among the options being assessed to determine whether it could contribute to these objectives.
He stressed that the government’s approach was not centred on adopting nuclear power as an end in itself. Instead, the priority was to establish whether the technology could provide meaningful benefits to Sri Lanka and help secure a dependable, lower-carbon electricity supply over the longer term.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Minister underscored the need for careful evaluation before the country commits to any major nuclear energy initiative. He highlighted the importance of decisions based on scientific evidence, capable regulatory and institutional structures, and close collaboration with international partners.
Professor Abeysena also expressed hope that countries and international organisations with experience in nuclear technology would assist Sri Lanka as it continues its studies and planning in this field.
For Sri Lanka, which must balance future electricity demand with affordability, supply reliability and environmental considerations, the assessment represents an opportunity to examine the potential advantages and challenges of nuclear generation before deciding on its place in the national energy mix.
The conference in South Korea brought together government ministers, policymakers, senior officials and nuclear energy specialists to discuss how nuclear power could help meet the growing demand for cleaner energy. Participants also examined its potential contribution to energy security, the resilience of national electricity systems and broader sustainable development goals.
The discussions addressed the practical considerations surrounding the development and deployment of nuclear power, including the challenges countries face when evaluating or establishing nuclear energy programmes.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi also took part in the conference, which coincided with the release of the agency’s report, Global Nuclear Power Development Outlook.
Sri Lanka’s participation in the gathering provided an opportunity to exchange views with countries and experts involved in nuclear energy planning, as the government continues to assess the technology’s suitability for the country’s future electricity requirements.
