Statement by Sri Lanka at the 70th General Conference of the IAEA
Mr. President,
I am pleased to extend warm congratulations on your election as President of the 70th General Conference of the IAEA. I wish to convey Sri Lanka’s confidence in your ability and skills to guide this 70th Session to a successful conclusion.
Sri Lanka values its longstanding and close partnership with the IAEA, and appreciates the Agency's outstanding contribution to advancing the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology for developing countries.
We take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to the Director General and the Secretariat for their dedication to delivering effective and impactful programs to Member States. We underline the need to identify, in close consultation with Member States, potential benefits and challenges of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Agency’s activities.
We commend the Agency’s steadfast commitment to fulfilling its core mandate, enshrined in the IAEA Statute, "to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world”, through its three major pillars.
Mr. President,
We are committed to systematically addressing the recommendations and suggestions arising from the IAEA’s reviews and to strengthening national capabilities.
We recognize that the establishment of a strong, independent and competent regulatory framework is indispensable for the safe and sustainable use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
We therefore attach high priority to strengthening our institutional and technical capabilities and appreciate the Agency’s continued assistance in this regard.
Sri Lanka wishes to record its appreciation for the range of missions and technical support provided by the Agency over the past year, through its Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review missions, the IAEA ImPACT mission, the INIR Follow-up mission and the SEED mission.
Sri Lanka is also closely following international developments relating to Small Modular Reactors and other advanced nuclear technologies.
For countries with relatively small electricity grids and developing nuclear infrastructure, such technologies may offer potential opportunities, subject to rigorous assessment of safety, security, economics, grid compatibility, financing, waste management and other relevant considerations. We welcome the IAEA’s work in supporting
Member States in assessing innovative nuclear technologies and encourage the Agency to continue providing technology-neutral, objective and evidence-based assistance to countries considering nuclear power.
Human-resource development remains one of our highest priorities. Sri Lanka will require a new generation of scientists, engineers, regulators, project managers, legal experts, environmental specialists and other professionals with specialized knowledge in nuclear technology. The continued support of the Agency will be valuable in this regard.
Mr. President,
Sri Lanka strongly appreciates the technical support extended under the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme, which contributes significantly to national development.
We are also grateful for the Agency’s support in the technical revision of Sri Lanka’s Country Programme Framework (CPF) 2026–2031. We also note that four Technical Cooperation projects for Sri Lanka have been preliminarily approved for consideration under the next TC cycle, 2028/29.
We re-iterate that the resources available for the IAEA TC Programme should be sufficient, assured and predictable and remain concerned about the increased reliance on extrabudgetary contributions. Sri Lanka also wishes to highlight the importance of maintaining an adequate balance between the Agency’s promotional and non-promotional activities
Nuclear and radiation technologies are making valuable contributions in Sri Lanka in many areas. We welcome the continued cooperation with the Agency in Nuclear Medicine and other applications of nuclear technology that directly contribute to the well-being of our people and to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Sri Lanka also appreciates the Agency’s assistance in strengthening radiation safety and security infrastructure and encourages continued support for the safe and secure use of radioactive sources and nuclear technologies in medical, industrial, agricultural and research applications. As a developing country, Sri Lanka emphasizes that access to peaceful nuclear technology, technical cooperation and capacity-building should remain an essential component of international cooperation. We encourage the Agency and Member
States to continue strengthening mechanisms that enable developing countries to benefit from nuclear science and technology.
Following the signing of the IAEA Agreement on Privileges and Immunities in 2024, Sri Lanka hosted several regional capacity- building meetings, demonstrating our strong commitment to work alongside the Secretariat to strengthen regional capabilities in nuclear science and technology.
Sri Lanka hosted the IAEA/RCA Regional Training Course “Evaluating the Efficacy of Artificial Recharge to Groundwater in Water Scarce Regions using Isotope Techniques (RCA).”
In 2025, Sri Lanka hosted two further IAEA regional events. The RCA project, “Improving the Quality Management Practices in Radiation Processing Facilities for Better Performance and Applications,” which was attended by 15 foreign participants from 9 countries.
Sri Lanka also hosted the Final Coordination Meeting and Workshop on Communication Strategies and Technology Promotion, with 18 foreign participants.
Sri Lanka recognizes the indispensable role of the IAEA safeguards system in maintaining international confidence in the peaceful nature of nuclear activities. We reaffirm our commitment to our safeguards obligations and to constructive cooperation with the Agency.
Sri Lanka also attaches great importance to strengthening international cooperation in nuclear security, the physical protection of nuclear and radioactive materials, prevention of illicit trafficking, cybersecurity and preparedness for nuclear and radiological emergencies.
Sri Lanka wishes to note the importance of ensuring that nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards remain protected from armed attack or threats thereof, given the potential risks such actions could pose to civilian populations, the environment, and the broader integrity of the IAEA safeguards system.
Sri Lanka is committed to pursuing its nuclear aspirations in a responsible, transparent and sustainable manner, while ensuring that nuclear safety and security remain the highest priorities.
Sri Lanka welcomes the IAEA’s support to Member States embarking on nuclear power programmes, including through the Integrated Work Plan and other coordinated Agency services.
Sri Lanka looks forward to deepening its partnership with the Agency and Member States during the coming year, particularly in the areas of, management systems, regulatory capacity, human-resource development, environmental assessment, nuclear safety and security, emergency preparedness and peaceful applications of nuclear technology.
We commend Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and the Secretariat for their continued leadership and professionalism in advancing the Agency’s mandate.
Sri Lanka reiterates its firm commitment to the principles of Atoms for Peace and Development and looks forward to continuing constructive engagement with the IAEA and all Member States in building a safer, more secure, sustainable and peaceful future through the responsible use of nuclear science and technology.
Thank you, Mr. President.
