Sri Lanka has identified five potential sites for its first nuclear power plant as part of ongoing efforts to develop the country’s nuclear power programme, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed following a review mission held from July 14 to 18, 2025.
The follow-up Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission, conducted at the government’s request, assessed Sri Lanka’s progress in addressing recommendations from a 2022 INIR Phase 1 review. The mission team included experts from Bulgaria and Türkiye, along with IAEA staff.
The IAEA noted that Sri Lanka has made significant strides in developing nuclear infrastructure. Key achievements include the establishment of a management structure for reactor procurement, the drafting of a comprehensive nuclear law, and the inclusion of nuclear power in the national long-term energy plan for 2025–2044.
Sri Lanka’s nuclear power initiative was first approved by the Cabinet in 2010, with a Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO) formed in 2019. It includes the Ministry of Energy, Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board (SLAEB), Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), and Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council (SLAERC).
In recent years, the country hosted a national workshop on nuclear law in 2023 and an IAEA Site and External Events Design Review Service (SEED) mission in 2024 to assess site selection procedures. A follow-up SEED mission was also conducted in July 2025.
INIR mission leader John Haddad of the IAEA’s Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section said Sri Lanka’s commitment to implementing recommendations from the 2022 review demonstrates its dedication to making a well-informed decision about adopting nuclear energy.
Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody welcomed the INIR mission, calling it a “significant milestone” in the country’s path toward a secure and sustainable energy future.
The CEB’s long-term plan notes that integrating a nuclear unit exceeding 600 MWe will be technically complex due to existing grid limitations, demand growth projections, and a renewable-heavy generation mix. Further work is required in areas such as management, workforce development, stakeholder engagement, waste management, and industry participation.
INIR missions follow the IAEA’s Milestones Approach, helping countries evaluate their readiness across 19 infrastructure areas before making a final decision on nuclear power adoption. (Newswire)
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