Five nuclear detector early warning systems have been installed across the island to alert the public on nuclear accidents, the Ministry of Power and Energy said adding that three more detectors are to be installed.

 It said that the Atomic Energy Authority (AEA) had obtained 8 early warning systems from the International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA) at a cost of 72,000 Euros (over Rs. 12 million), in order to respond if the country is ever faced with the possible nuclear crisis.

The Atomic Energy Authority, Disaster Management Center and Sri Lanka Navy on June 28 signed a trilateral agreement regarding the setting up of the systems.

According to the agreement the early warning systems are to be placed at 6 navy camps, in the Western Province and center of the island and in the Kandy region. The main control center of the early warning systems will operate from the Atomic Energy Authority building in Orugodawatte.

According to Indian media reports the Kudankulam nuclear power station in Tamil Nadu is set to be commissioned in September and its close proximity to Sri Lanka had warranted the island drawing attention of the IAEA over any possible disasters in the event of an accident.

Even if the smallest threat of radiation from the nuclear plant affects Sri Lanka, these established systems will be useful to detect the threat early, AEA senior scientific officer Anuruddha Jayalath said.

IAEA in March had stated that Sri Lanka had neither opposed nor registered its protest concerning any Indian nuclear power plants.