Sri Lanka and the United States have inked a nuclear security agreement aimed at detecting and intercepting illicit trafficking of special nuclear material and other radioactive substances. This move comes as part of broader efforts to tackle escalating global security risks.

The Sri Lankan Navy formalized a MoU with the US National Nuclear Security Administration at the Navy headquarters in Colombo.

Media reports indicate that the MoU was signed in the presence of the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, and the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera.

Ambassador Chung expressed on X that the partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka in tackling global security threats continues to strengthen over time.

She emphasized that the newly established MoU between the Sri Lanka Navy and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration will enhance their collaborative endeavours to combat illicit maritime trafficking in nuclear and radioactive material.

According to media reports, the MoU outlined bilateral collaboration aimed at detecting and intercepting illicit trafficking in special nuclear material and other radioactive substances. The cooperation involves technical and methodological support, including the installation and enhancement of technical systems to detect and identify such materials at border crossing control points in Sri Lanka.

This agreement underscores the growing partnership between the two countries in addressing global security threats. With technical and methodological cooperation outlined in the MoU, including the installation of advanced detection systems at Sri Lanka's border control points, the initiative marks a significant step towards bolstering nuclear security measures.

Image source: Indian Express