The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD), partnered with the Sri Lanka Navy for a five-day workshop last week to strengthen Sri Lanka’s capacity to detect and deter nuclear smuggling. 

U.S. experts worked with Sri Lankan participants to develop standard operating procedures for nuclear smuggling detection operations, drawing on international best practices while ensuring procedures align with Sri Lanka’s legislative and regulatory framework, according to a statement by the US Embassy in Colombo. 

The training also strengthened coordination among relevant national agencies, helping Sri Lanka better detect and respond to illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive materials.

“Nuclear material in the wrong hands can have consequences far beyond any one country’s borders,” said U.S. Ambassador Eric Meyer. “Through this partnership, we’re giving Sri Lankan agencies practical tools to detect illicit nuclear material and stop it before it can move through Sri Lanka’s ports or waters. That strengthens security here, protects vital Indian Ocean trade routes, and helps keep Americans and our partners safer.”

The US Embassy stated that by turning training into clear procedures that Sri Lankan agencies can use long after the workshop ends, the United States is helping a trusted partner build a lasting line of defense against nuclear smuggling in the Indian Ocean region. 

Representatives from the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council and Board, Sri Lanka Customs, Ports Authority, Disaster Management Center, Director General of Merchant Shipping, Sri Lanka Coast Guard and the Attorney General’s Department also participated in the workshop.