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Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2014-08-07
New Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Bill

- the current law which provides for the establishment of the Atomic Energy Authority and its powers and functions is the Atomic Energy Authority Act No.16 of 1969. The rules dealing with the use of Atomic Energy has changed considerably since 1969 and it has been observed that there is a need to incorporate several new provisions into the Law. The Bill provides for all matters that are necessary to be done for the beneficial and peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology in health, industry, environment and agriculture for national development including the protection of individuals, society and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation and radiation sources and also specifically states that, in Sri Lanka, all nuclear activities shall be carried out exclusively for peaceful purposes and prohibits the manufacture or acquisition of nuclear weapons or other explosive nuclear devices. The Bill also provides for the establishment of two new bodies, namely, the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board and the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council. Cabinet approval was granted for the above Bill presented to the Cabinet by Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka, Minister of Technology and Research, to be referred to the Cabinet Sub?Committee on Legislation for its recommendations, in the first instance.