Workshop on standard operating procedures for radiological and nuclear emergencies concludes in Colombo

A five-day workshop focused on formulating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for responding to radiological and nuclear emergencies within Sri Lanka’s territorial waters concluded in Colombo today, 25 September 2026.

The programme was organized in partnership with the Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence of the US Department of Energy. Officials from key national institutions attended the event. Among them were; representatives from the Sri Lanka Navy’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Unit, the Special Boat Squadron, and the Sri Lanka Coast Guard.

Other participating agencies included the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council, the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Sri Lanka Customs, the Disaster Management Centre, the Merchant Shipping Secretariat, and the Attorney General’s Department.

The sessions provided practical guidance on establishing standardized operational guidelines to intercept illicit nuclear material within territorial waters. The initiative also aimed to strengthen inter-agency coordination and improve operational efficiency across local maritime authorities during radiological emergencies.