COLOMBO – Sri Lanka has launched a comprehensive program to review its preparedness for integrating nuclear energy into its national power grid, marking a significant stride in the nation’s long-term energy strategy. The initiative, led by Minister of Energy Eng. Kumara Jayakody, commenced yesterday (July 14) and will continue until July 18, featuring the active participation of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and coordination by the Atomic Energy Board. However, unofficial news has been leaked indicating that the Sri Lankan energy department intends to construct this plant in the North, where a significant population of Tamils resides. This has raised major concerns regarding the safety of Sri Lankan Tamils.
Minister Jayakody emphasized the critical importance of this review, stating that it represents a pivotal step for the development of Sri Lanka’s nuclear energy sector. He highlighted that nuclear energy offers key advantages in terms of reliability, low cost, and enhanced energy security.
Nuclear Energy as a Key Pillar for Future Generation
The inclusion of nuclear power is a central component of the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan (LTGEP) for 2025–2044. This strategic move underscores the government’s commitment to diversifying its energy mix and reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
While a final decision on the adoption of nuclear energy has not yet been made, Minister Jayakody confirmed that the necessary groundwork is being continuously laid. This proactive approach considers future energy demands and the potential benefits that nuclear power could bring to the island nation.
Ongoing Assessments and International Cooperation
This current review builds upon previous engagements with the IAEA. In June 2024, an IAEA Site and External Events Design Review Service (SEED) mission concluded a seven-day safety review of Sri Lanka’s site selection process for its first nuclear power plant. That mission, which identified six candidate sites across three regions, provided recommendations to optimize the site evaluation process. Earlier, in April 2022, an IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission also assessed Sri Lanka’s overall infrastructure development for a nuclear power program.
The ongoing review underscores Sri Lanka’s methodical approach to exploring nuclear energy, ensuring adherence to international safety standards and best practices as it navigates the complex path toward a more diversified and secure energy future.
