Five more NEWS at Naval bases

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The Atomic Energy Authority (AEA) under the purview of the Power and Energy Ministry will instal five more Nuclear Disaster Early Warning Systems (NEWS) at Naval bases.

The AEA purchased eight NEWS from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at Rs 12 million each.

Two technical experts from the manufacturing Company SAPHYMO of Germany are in Sri Lanka for assembling, testing and installation of the equipment and to train the operating staff.

The AEA, Navy and the Disaster Management Ministry signed an agreement in this regard recently. The first of the eight Remote Director Stations (RDS) have already been installed at the AEA Headquarters, Puttalam, Thalaimannar, Delft Island and Kankesanthurai Naval bases.

Others will be installed in Colombo, Trincomalee, Galle and Kandy, AEA chairman Dr Ranjith Wijayawardena said.

The main monitoring system is by connecting these early warning systems through a telephone connection and it works throughout the day.

It can take immediate action to prevent a disaster including radiation leaks.

The network Central Monitoring Station (CMS) will be installed at the Radiological Emergency Operation Centre at the AEA premises.

NEWS will assist in identifying possible nuclear accidents in neighbouring countries and provide the basis for radiological emergency response and early warning to the public through the disaster management system of the country.

The AEA is in the process of training ARA staff members, Navy and Disaster Management Centre officers on the operation of the System, response procedures and decision making based on NEWS.

The Nuclear Power Stations in Kudankulam, India is to commence its operation in September.