- Pakistan’s related framework under consideration
The committee appointed to look into forming the laws and regulations necessary for Sri Lanka to commence nuclear power generation projects is expected to complete that process by June of this year (2024).
This was stated by the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board (SLAEB) Chairman Prof. S.R.D. Rosa, who serves as a member of the said committee. He told The Daily Morning that the committee in question has taken into account the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks in place in the international context.
“If Sri Lanka is going for nuclear power generation, we first have to amend the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Act, No. 40 of 2014, because it currently provides for the non-power application of atomic energy,” he explained, referring to the Act which allows for the utilisation of radioactive materials and ionising radiation “for medical, environmental, agricultural, industrial, and other peaceful purposes, and for scientific and technological advancement, as may be required for national development.” Prof. Rosa noted that the committee looks into the legal and regulatory frameworks of countries including Pakistan, and that the committee’s aim is to form laws and regulations that suit Sri Lanka.
The committee includes experts and officials representing a number of institutions including the SLAEB, the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council (SLAERC), the Legal Draftsman’s Department, and the Attorney General’s Department, which, according to Prof. Rosa, commenced work several months ago under the leadership of Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Sobhitha Rajakaruna.
A letter shared by the SLAERC Chairman Saminda Jayasekara on LinkedIn showed that the committee, which is tasked with recommending amendments or a replacement for the said Act, includes members from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Ceylon Electricity Board, and the Power and Energy Ministry, in addition to independent experts.
The Power and Energy Ministry was unavailable for comment as of yesterday (21).
Sri Lanka is looking into creating a suitable legal and regulatory environment for nuclear power generation in the backdrop of proposals and discussions regarding the construction of an onshore or offshore nuclear power plant with Russia’s support as a solution to the increasing energy demand.