India eyes nuclear partnership with Sri Lanka as part of a growing wave of global interest in the island’s long-term energy ambitions. The government, however, remains cautious as it reviews regulatory and readiness factors before any commitment.
India eyes nuclear partnership with Sri Lanka amid growing global interest in the island’s energy future
Sri Lanka’s strategic energy landscape has drawn increasing attention from global powers, with India being the latest to express its willingness to cooperate on nuclear power development. This follows similar signals from Russia, China, and France, all vying to play a role in shaping the island nation’s future energy strategy.
According to an official source, the administration led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has not yet decided to proceed with any nuclear power project, despite including nuclear energy in the country’s long-term generation plan. The government is taking a measured approach, prioritizing legal, regulatory, and technical readiness before entering any formal agreements.
In recent weeks, a Japanese delegation has also approached Sri Lankan authorities to discuss the country’s preparedness for nuclear power generation. Russia, which has long lobbied successive governments, continues to push its proposal. Russian Ambassador Levan S. Dzhagaryan recently met with Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody and representatives from the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Authority (SLAEA) to revisit earlier discussions. During the meeting, the Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka is not yet ready to sign a Memorandum of Understanding or move forward with any nuclear development agreement at this stage.
The government’s caution stems from the complex nature of nuclear power implementation. Sri Lanka has decided to review the legal and regulatory groundwork established by the previous administration. This review aims to ensure alignment with international safety standards and compliance with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines. Russia’s earlier proposal to build a 110-megawatt nuclear power plant remains on the table but awaits further political and technical evaluation.
The IAEA previously conducted a comprehensive site review through its Site and External Events Design Review Service (SEED) mission. This mission evaluated Sri Lanka’s site selection process for nuclear energy projects, ensuring that locations meet strict exclusion and screening criteria. These assessments are critical in determining whether the country can safely and effectively host such advanced energy infrastructure.
Meanwhile, India’s interest has added new momentum to the discussion. Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha recently met with SLAEA officials, expressing India’s readiness to support Sri Lanka if the country decides to move forward with nuclear energy development. This diplomatic engagement mirrors India’s broader regional energy ambitions and strategic interests in strengthening ties with its neighbors.
Japan has also joined the conversation, making inquiries about Sri Lanka’s plans and readiness for future nuclear power initiatives. With multiple countries showing interest, Sri Lanka is in a unique position to strategically align its energy future with international cooperation and technological support.
Despite these high-level discussions, officials stress that no final decision has been made. The government aims to approach nuclear energy carefully, balancing national energy security with international safety obligations. As global competition intensifies, Sri Lanka faces a defining moment in deciding whether to embark on its nuclear energy journey — a decision that could reshape its energy landscape for decades.
Energy experts emphasize the importance of establishing strong legal, regulatory, and safety frameworks before taking the leap. They argue that if Sri Lanka proceeds, collaboration with experienced partners like India, Russia, or Japan could provide access to advanced technology, training, and international best practices.
For now, the nation watches closely as its leaders weigh the benefits and risks of nuclear power. The potential partnership between India and Sri Lanka could mark a new era in bilateral cooperation, setting the stage for a transformative shift in the island’s energy infrastructure and strategic positioning in the region.