News
US fortifies Lanka’s maritime shield with cutting-edge radiation detection tools
The U.S. Embassy has provided state-of-the-art radiation and chemical detection equipment valued at $1 million (299 million LKR) to the Navy, significantly boosting the country’s capacity to detect and respond to nuclear, radiological, and chemical threats in its maritime domain. This advanced equipment, supplied through the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) and its Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD), was officially handed over during a ceremony at Sri Lanka Navy Headquarters on May 15, attended by U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung and Sri Lanka Navy Commander Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda. The equipment enhances the Sri Lanka Navy’s capability to conduct visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) operations in the Indian Ocean while strengthening its ability to detect and intercept hazardous chemical, radiological, and nuclear materials, safeguarding the nation’s ports and maritime routes.
“This advanced equipment is a vital tool for protecting Sri Lanka’s maritime borders and ensuring the safety of the entire region,” said U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung. “By enhancing the Navy’s ability to detect and respond to nuclear and radiological threats, we are not just strengthening Sri Lanka’s security—we are also safeguarding international shipping routes, protecting communities, and making sure harmful materials don’t reach America’s and other countries’ shores. This partnership is about keeping people safe, maintaining secure trade, and reinforcing our shared commitment to regional security.”
This equipment transfer is the first major initiative following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in February 2024 between the Sri Lanka Navy and DOE/NNSA. The MOU aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in detecting and preventing the illegal transport of nuclear and radioactive materials. In addition to this transfer, in March, the U.S. Embassy, through DOE/NNSA, donated $500,000 worth of new radiation detection equipment at Colombo Port’s West Container Terminal, further enhancing Sri Lanka Customs’ ability to detect radioactive materials and secure global supply chains. This equipment is crucial because it helps prevent dangerous radioactive materials from entering everyday products, protects communities from potential hazards, strengthens the safety of international shipping routes, and stops nuclear and radiological threats before they can reach U.S. shores.
NSDD will continue to support the Sri Lanka Navy in the future through specialized training in the use of radiation detection equipment, and further enhancement of the Navy’s VBSS capabilities. The United States remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts to enhance maritime security, detect and deter nuclear threats, and ensure a safer, more secure Indian Ocean region and U.S. homeland.
A meeting was held to discuss post-disaster planning and the reconstruction process, with special focus on flood-prone areas on Monday [8 th of December] at the Prime Minister’s Office under the patronage of the Prime Minister, and attended by representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized the critical importance of timely and systematic information and data collection to support timely and effective decision-making on a daily basis following the post disaster situations. The Prime noted that accurate data flows are essential for guiding recovery efforts in the short and long term.
The Representatives outlined the need assessment process using RAPIDA and Global Rapid Post-Disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE), the UNDP’s post-crisis assessment initiated by integrating GIS technology, satellite imagery, and ground-level data, to deliver real-time, actionable insights after a crisis to helps identify affected locations, communities, infrastructure damage, debris estimates, and land use changes-providing crucial data.
The representatives of UNDP reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Government and they expressed their readiness to collaborate closely and to strengthen ongoing partnerships to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of post-disaster response and reconstruction activities.
The discussion was attended by the Country Manager for World Bank Dr. Gevorg Sargsyan, Resident Representatives for United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ms. Azusa Kubota, South Asia Director for United Nations Office for Project Services ((UNOPS), and Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary (Development) Ms Sagarika Bogahawaththa and officials from the Department of National Planning.
[Prime minister’s media division]
News
Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation donates Rs. 250 million to the Government for national recovery after the emergency situation
The Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation has donated Rs. 250 million to the Government to support the rebuild of the country following the emergency situation caused by the Ditva cyclone.
Chairperson of the Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike, together with the Board of Directors, handed over the cheque to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 08 th of December at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Subsequently, a cordial discussion was held between the Foundation’s Chairperson, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike, and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
The occasion was attended by the secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and representatives of the Board of Directors of the Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Level III landslide warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
The Level III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale by the Landslide Early Warning Center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] have been extended until 1600hrs tomorrow [10th December 2025].
Accordingly,
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Division and surrounding areas of Panvila, Udapalatha, Minipe, Poojapitiya, Gangawata Korale, Thumpane, Doluwa, Pathadumbara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Harispattuwa, Akurana, Ududumbara, Pathahewaheta, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Deltota, Medadumbara, Udunuwara, Kundasale and Pasbage Korale in the Kandy district, Yatiyanthota, Rambukkana, Aranayaka, Warakapola, Galigamuwa, Mawanella and Bulathkohupitiya in the Kegalle district, Mallawapitiya, Rideegama and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Ukuwela, Pallepola, Rattota, Matale, Laggala Pallegama, Yatawatta, Naula, Ambanganga Korale and Wilgamuwa in the Matale district have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Division and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Hali_Ela, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Kandeketiya, Bandarawela, Soranathota, Ella, Haputhale, Lunugala, Welimada, Haldummulla and Passara in the Badulla district, Ruwanwella, Dehiowita, Kegalle and Deraniyagala in the Kegalle district, Alawwa and Polgahawela in the Kurunegala district and Nuwara Eliya, Nildandahinna, Thalawakele, Kothmale West, Mathurata, Ambagamuwa Korale, Hanguranketha, Walapane, Kothmale East and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya district, and Kahawaththa, Kolonna and Godakawela in the Ratnapura district have also been extended.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Mirigama, Divulapitiya and Attanagalla in the Gampaha district, Narammala in the Kurunegala district, and Kiriella, Balangoda, Kuruwita, Openayake, Nivithigala, Kaltota, Pelmadulla, Kalawana, Eheliyagoda, Elapatha, Ayagama, Imbulpe and Ratnapura in the Ratnapura district.
Timely and accurate data essential for effective decision making – PM
Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation donates Rs. 250 million to the Government for national recovery after the emergency situation
Level III landslide warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination will resume on 12th January 2026
The aim of the Government is to ensure a safe life for every citizen -President
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