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SL Atomic Energy Board to oversee peaceful applications of nuclear energy
Parliament will enact new legislation this week to set up the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board to promote and encourage peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology in health, industry, environment and agriculture, for Sri Lanka’s national development.
The Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Bill was presented to Parliament earlier this month and will be taken up for debate on Thursday.
The Bill will replace the existing Atomic Energy Authority Act No: 19 of 1969, and includes provision to provide for adequate protection of individuals, society and the environment, against the potentially harmful effects of ionising radiation, and for the safety and security of radiation sources, by the establishment and maintenance of a regulatory control system.
The Bill is also intended to fulfil Sri Lanka’s obligations under the relevant international instruments in the field of nuclear energy, entered into by Sri Lanka, in particular, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Safeguards Agreements. A regulatory authority called the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Council, for the regulation and control of practices involving radiation, will be also established.
The objectives of the Council are to establish requirements for the protection of persons and the environment against risks associated with exposure to radiation.
It will also ensure compliance with International Standards and obligations in the field of nuclear energy, which are required to be complied with by Sri Lanka.