Nuclear Power Phase 2
The Phase 1 Follow-up INIR mission was conducted from 14 to 18 July 2025, Colombo, Sri Lanka. The INIR team was led by Mr John Haddad of the IAEA Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section (NIDS) and consisted of Ms. Fanny Tonos from the IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy and (02) international experts from Turkey and Bulgaria, who were recruited by the IAEA. Interviews were conducted over four (04) days as cooperative and open atmosphere with 57 participants representing 15 organizations involved in the nuclear power programme in Sri Lankan context. During the interviews, the Sri Lankan counterparts provided clarifications, additional information, including supporting documents, and responded to the INIR team’s questions.
During the main INIR mission in 2022, the INIR team made 26 Recommendations and 6 Suggestions. During the Phase 1 Follow-up INIR mission, it was concluded that:
- Sri Lanka has completely addressed 9 Recommendations and 4 Suggestions;
- There is on-going progress in the implementation of 17 Recommendations and 2 Suggestions.
The INIR team concluded that Sri Lanka has made good progress to address Recommendations and Suggestions and has taken decisions for various steps related to preparations for a nuclear power programme in areas such as pre-feasibility work, development of the legal framework and preparation of requests for expressions of interest. Nuclear power as an energy source within the Base Case of Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Least Cost Long-Term Generation and Expansion Plan 2025–2044 approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL); drafted a comprehensive nuclear law; and recommended adherence to the relevant conventions.
The INIR team observed that further work is needed to establish the Sri Lanka strategy for implementation of a nuclear power programme: completion of studies needed for future activities in areas such as management, funding and financing, radiation protection, human resource development strategy, stakeholder involvement, environmental protection, emergency preparedness and response and industrial involvement, analysis of options for nuclear fuel cycle and radioactive waste management and review of the national legislation other than nuclear law.