In response to overtures from international entities, including Russia, China, Denmark, and the United States, expressing interest in investing in nuclear energy, the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Authority (SLAEA) has given the green light for nuclear power development, according to an official statement.
Russia, a prominent player in nuclear power generation in Bangladesh and India, has displayed a heightened interest in establishing a nuclear power plant in Sri Lanka. A recent high-level delegation from Russia engaged in discussions with Sri Lankan authorities, exploring potential cooperation in the nuclear energy sector and other areas.
SLAEA Chairman Prof. S.R.D. Rosa informed the Daily Mirror that he briefed the Russian delegation on the current status of the proposal for an offshore or onshore nuclear power plant in Sri Lanka. The SLAEA has provided preliminary approval for nuclear power to diversify Sri Lanka’s energy sources, pending final approval from the Foreign Ministry.
“The implementation of this project is contingent upon the signing of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between Sri Lanka and Russia, which is currently pending,” Prof. Rosa stated.
Russia has offered support in terms of capacity building and training for Sri Lankan personnel in the nuclear field. The proposal includes the installation of small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced nuclear reactors, subject to a policy decision. However, discussions on the project’s financing model, estimated to exceed US $2 billion, are yet to take place.
Addressing safety concerns, Prof. Rosa emphasized the inherent safety of SMRs and advocated for the inclusion of nuclear power in Sri Lanka’s energy mix.
In addition to Russia, the SLAEA has engaged with a Chinese delegation, while proposals from companies in the United States and Denmark have also been received, indicating a broader international interest in Sri Lanka’s nuclear energy potential.
