Sri Lanka is advancing steadily in building the infrastructure needed for its nuclear power programme, according to a recent review mission conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The follow-up Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission took place from July 14 to 18, 2025, at the request of the Sri Lankan government. The mission assessed progress made since the first INIR mission in 2022, which had provided 26 recommendations and 6 suggestions to help Sri Lanka prepare for its nuclear power ambitions.
Led by IAEA expert John Haddad, the team of international specialists reviewed the country’s efforts across key areas including site selection, regulatory frameworks, and long-term energy planning. The mission found that Sri Lanka has made “good progress,” highlighting steps such as identifying five candidate sites for nuclear plants and drafting comprehensive nuclear legislation.
Sri Lanka began studying the possibility of nuclear power back in 2010, establishing a dedicated Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO) in 2019. This body coordinates efforts between the Ministry of Energy, the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board, the Ceylon Electricity Board, and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Council. In 2024, the government reaffirmed its commitment to further exploring nuclear energy.
At the opening of the mission, Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody described the review as “a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey towards a secure, sustainable and forward-looking energy future.”
Nuclear power is included in the Ceylon Electricity Board’s Least Cost Long Term Generation and Expansion Plan for 2025-2044. The plan acknowledges challenges in integrating a nuclear unit exceeding 600 MWe into the existing grid, which is expected to rely heavily on renewable energy sources and faces technical constraints.
The IAEA mission team emphasized that further work remains, including finalizing strategies for human resource development, stakeholder engagement, radioactive waste management, and industrial participation.
The INIR process, structured around the IAEA Milestones Approach, helps countries assess readiness to make informed decisions on nuclear power. Follow-up missions like this one review the implementation of prior recommendations to ensure steady progress toward safe and effective nuclear infrastructure development.
