- DesignationAct. Director (RPTSD)
- Director NameMrs. Champa Dissanayake
- Telephone011-253-4208
- Mobile071-848-8383
- Fax Number011-253-3448
- Emailchampa@aeb.gov.lk
Nuclear Security and Waste Management
Nuclear security is one of the most critical global topics. It generally discusses the techniques, methods, tools, and practices used to certify the security of radioactive/nuclear material from unauthorized access and to prevent using it with malicious intentions. SLAEB is the primary technical and scientific entity in the nuclear security regime of the country. Under the Integrate
Nuclear Security Support Plan (INSSP), SLAEB has completed all the technical and scientific requirements to operate as the Nuclear Security Support Center (NSSC) of the country.
Nuclear Security and Safety
Nuclear security operates on three different levels, and the SLAEB serves the country at each level, as mentioned in the table. Activities performed by RPTSD are highlighted. RPTSD introduces international guidelines and practices that are published in the IAEA Nuclearm Security Series (NSS). Also, as national experts in the field, the staff of the division contributes to the global security regime through provisioning of technical reviews and feedback.
- Prevention: Preventing the happening of nuclear security-related incidents beforehand by formulating regulations (deterrence), implementing security systems, and promoting best practices.
- Detection: Detecting a radioactive/nuclear material in the event of nuclear security
- Response: Actions taken after the detection/declaration of a nuclear security event
Human Resource Development for Nuclear Security and Safety
CBRN threats or the malicious acts committed by using either Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, or Nuclear agents/material have emerged in the last few decades. Therefore, it is compulsory to improve the knowledge and understanding about security measures to guarantee the safety of people from possible CBRN threats.
RPTSD provides expert assistance to train front-line officers (FLOs), first responders for nuclear and radiation security in the event of nuclear security or CBRN threat.
Develop Detection Capabilities and Strategies of the Country
To enhance the detection capabilities of the country, state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies are need to be implemented. RPTSD takes the lead in providing these technologies with assistance from international organizations. Primarily, the procurement of nuclear security instruments, development of alarm assessment procedures, and instrumentation training programs are being delivered to the related national organizations, including Sri Lanka Customs, Civil Aviation Authority, Sri Lankan Airlines, Sri Lanka ports Authority, Coast Guard, and the Law enforcement agencies.
Coordinated Researches on Nuclear Security
Coordinated Researches are being carried out with the international and national counterparts (Sri Lanka Customs, IAEA, member states of IAEA) to improve the nuclear security status of the country. Currently, two international CRPs are in progress under the division.
- J02005: Improved assessment of initial alarms from radiation detection instruments (successfully implemented and currently at the final phase).
- J02012: Advancing Radiation Detection Equipment for Detecting Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material out of Regulatory Control.
Radioactive Waste Management Programme
Radioactive material that cannot be further used for its intended purpose due to various reasons such as equipment malfunction, decay, or expiration of the technique can still be harmful to the environment and people. Hence, strict and robust measures have been imposed for the security of that unusable radioactive material. They are generally called the “Disused Radioactive Sources (DRS). Unusable electric radiation generators such as X-ray exposure devices are not considered as DRS. This radioactive material must be conditioned, documented, stored, and secured as per the national & international recommendations and regulations.
RPTSD also develops, maintains, and operates the Central Disused Radioactive Sources Storage (CDRSS) Facility of Sri Lanka. It is the only waste/disused radioactive source repository in the country with regulatory authorization.
The SLAEB accepts long-lived radioactive waste generated by various radioactive material users (hospitals, industrial institutions, and research institutes) for conditioning, temporary/permanent storage, and repatriation.
Also, detained radioactive material without proper legal authorization (material out of regulatory control; MORCs) is temporarily stored in the CDRSS facility until repatriation.
The section also develops technical and physical capabilities to maintain the CDRSS. RPTSD performs every activity in managing, conditioning, and safe storing of Disused Radioactive material.
The managing and storage charges for accepting radioactive material is dependent upon the size and category. The radioactive material categorization is done according to the isotope and activity of the material. If a DRS is accepted, SLAEB is responsible for conditioning & disposing or repatriation of DRS. Therefore, when receiving DRS for long-term storage, the cost for conditioning & disposing of or repatriation should be considered in addition to the DRS storing charges.
The following scheme for charges is developed based on the category of sources. Actual pricing
can be obtained after an inspection.