Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council

No. 977/18, Kandy Road, Bulugaha Junction,
Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.

Tel: +9411 2987860
Fax: +9411 2984099

Stakeholder workshop for the Implementation of the National Nuclear or Radiological Emergency Management Plan (EMP), 21-22 Aug 2023

Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council (Council) as the point of contact for radiological emergencies, is mandated for arranging necessary plans and procedures as per section 58 of the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Act No 40 of 2014 to protect the people and the environment in case of nuclear or radiological emergencies, prepared National Nuclear or Radiological Emergency Management Plan (EMP) for management of radiation emergencies with the participation of other stakeholders identified in the EMP.

The Interim Management Committee of the Disaster Management Centre has approved this EMP on 24th of February 2021. The Council has responsibility to implement this plan by developing national capabilities to responding nuclear or radiological emergencies. Emergency preparedness and response activities and involvement of stakeholders are critical components to be implemented under this EMP where guidelines and policies are clearly stated down.

As operating organizations, technical support organizations, and response organizations involving in response to the Nuclear or Radiological emergencies at the regional and national level depending on the degree of effect from the emergency to the different part of the country, it is necessary to build the coordination among stakeholders and develop capacity to response during emergency in various aspects such as human resources, equipment training facilities etc.

In other than this Radiation emergencies is one of core capacity under International Health Regulations guidelines for public health assessment. World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated Joint External Evaluation (JEE) in Sri Lanka in 2017 and Council is the main stakeholder for this area. It was identified that stakeholder engagement and exercise was prioritized activity of WHO recommendations in 2017 JEE to reach higher scores in this core capacity to reach better score of public Health in Sri Lanka.

Based on the above, the Council has organized the stakeholder workshop which was held on 21st and 22nd August 2023 at Waters Edge, Battaramulla with participation of representatives of all stakeholders. The workshop was organized by the National emergency Coordinator with support of council staff and proceed with presentation and conducted the table top exercise in the second day to test the EMP. This helped to strengthening management and coordination system of emergency required for implementation of EMP for the safety of persons & environment during nuclear or radiological Emergencies.

Mr. Samnida Jayasekara (Chairman-Council), Mr. Kapila De Silva (Director General-Council) and Mr. Asela B. Rekawa (Chairman- Marine Environment Protection Authority) were attended to the inauguration ceremony. Mr. Prageeth Kadadunna (Director-Council) was the Course Director and Mr. Malinda Piyarathna was the Course Coordinator of this Programme.

©2018 OrdaSoft.com All rights reserved.

National training course on radiation protection for radiation protection officers (RPOs) and users/operators engaged in Transport, Waste Management and Storage of radioactive materials, 05– 06 July, 2023

The Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council (Council) successfully conducted the “National training course on radiation protection for radiation protection officers (RPOs) and users/operators engaged in Transport, Waste Management and Storage of radioactive materials” from 05th – 06th July 2023 in Colombo. Thirty four (34) participants of Radiation Protection Officers/users/operators engaged in Transport, Waste Management and Storage of radioactive materials in Sri Lanka were participated in this training course.

The aim of this training course was to provide participants with improved knowledge and understanding of the areas of safe and secure transport of radioactive materials, radioactive waste management, security of radioactive sources, emergency responses during radiological emergencies and many more.

This course mainly consisted in a series of presentations delivered by SLAERC staff. This course also included an exercise and discussions on “use of instrumentation for detection of radiation and interpretation of measured radiation levels.” In addition, this training course provided opportunities for participants share and discuss common challenges and lessons learned, continue sharing information and good practices as well as other potential follow up tasks and coordinated activities, as appropriate.

National Training Course on Radiation Protection for Radiation Protection Officers (RPOs) working in Diagnostic X-ray facilities, 27-28 April 2023

The Sri Lankan Atomic Energy Regulatory Council (Council) conducted the “National Training Course on Radiation Protection for Radiation Protection Officers (RPOs) working in Diagnostic X-ray facilities” from 27th – 28th April 2023 in Colombo. 24 Radiation Protection Officers from public/private medical institutions across the island participated in this training course. Lectures were conducted by the Council officers

The purpose of conducting such training course was to provide Radiation Protection Officers with qualification in radiation protection. After the two-day training course, an examination was conducted 3 weeks after the course (16th May 2023). Those who passed the examination were awarded certificates which are valid for 4 years

Objective of the training course is as follows

  • To use the training certificate to fulfill regulatory requirement of radiation protection trainings required for appointment as RPO
  • Better understanding of philosophy and principles of radiation protection
  • Understanding of regulatory requirements and international system of radiation protection
  • Better understanding of responsibilities of RPO
  • Understanding of practical aspects of protection of workers, patients & general public
  • Understanding the importance & practical aspects of quality assurance in diagnostic radiology
  • Development of safety culture among radiation workers
  • Development of train the trainer concept among the radiation workers

After 2025, the Council will conduct similar training courses every year to facilitate radiation workers to obtain the necessary qualifications for radiation protection, and only certified radiation workers will be allowed to licence.

Mr. Saminda Jayasekara, Chairman of the Council and Mr. U.W.K.H. De Silva, Director General (Cover-up) of the Council attended the inauguration session and Chairman delivered opening remarks while Director General explained the importance of having this type of training course for development of the regulatory regime.