US and Sri Lanka partner to enhance nuclear smuggling detection in Indian Ocean
COLOMBO ‒ The United States Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Navy have concluded a five-day joint workshop aimed at bolstering the island nation’s capabilities to detect, deter, and respond to the illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials.
The five-day program, held from September 21–25 and facilitated by the US Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD), focused on formulating standard operating procedures (SOPs) tailored to Sri Lanka’s domestic legal and regulatory frameworks while integrating international best practices.
The training also focused on strengthening coordination among national agencies involved in detecting and responding to the illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials.
“Nuclear material in the wrong hands can have consequences far beyond any one country’s borders,” US Ambassador Eric Meyer said, adding that the partnership would provide Sri Lankan agencies with practical tools to detect illicit nuclear material and prevent it from moving through the country’s ports or territorial waters.
“This strengthens security here, protects vital Indian Ocean trade routes, and helps keep Americans and our partners safer,” Meyer said.
The US Embassy said the workshop was designed to translate technical training into standardized procedures that Sri Lankan agencies can continue to use after the program, strengthening long-term capacity to counter nuclear smuggling in the Indian Ocean region.
Representatives from the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council and Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board, Sri Lanka Customs, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Disaster Management Centre, Director General of Merchant Shipping, Sri Lanka Coast Guard and the Attorney General’s Department also participated in the workshop.

US Department of Energy experts alongside Sri Lanka Navy and other local participants following the conclusion of practical drills on detecting and responding to the illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive materials ![]()
A US Department of Energy expert shares best practices for detecting and deterring nuclear smuggling during a five-day US-Sri Lanka workshop focused on strengthening nuclear security 
US Department of Energy experts and Sri Lanka Navy participate in practical drills on detecting and responding to the illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive materials ![]()
Sri Lanka Navy personnel conducting practical drills on detecting and responding to the illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive materials – US Embassy/Handout
-ENCL

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