Port of Colombo marks 20 years of partnership with MEGAPORT Initiative
A special commemorative event was held on 30 January 2026 at the Mahapola Ports and Maritime Academy of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Port of Colombo’s engagement with the MEGAPORT Initiative.The MEGAPORT Initiative is closely aligned with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004), which was adopted at the Security Council’s 4956th meeting on 28 April 2004. The resolution affirms that the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, as well as their means of delivery, poses a serious threat to international peace and security. It calls upon all states to take appropriate and effective measures to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and to strengthen international cooperation through relevant treaties and enforcement mechanisms.In line with the requirements of UNSCR 1540 and to prevent the illicit trafficking of nuclear and radiological materials through ports, the Sri Lanka Customs and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority entered into an agreement in 2006 with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the United States to implement the MEGAPORT – Container Security Initiative. The Port of Colombo was the first port in the South and Southeast Asian region to embark on this important global security programme.Under the initiative, advanced radiation detection systems were installed at one of the world’s most important maritime hubs as part of a global effort to interdict illicit movements of nuclear materials, while ensuring that legitimate trade flows are not disrupted and the competitiveness of participating ports and nations is maintained.The US Department of Energy, through the NNSA, continues to provide technical assistance to the Port of Colombo in the form of equipment, materials, and specialised training. Security Officers of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and designated officers of all port terminals serve as Local Alarm Station (LAS) Operators, who report all portal alarm statuses directly to the MEGAPORT Surveillance Unit of Sri Lanka Customs, which functions as the Central Alarm Station (CAS).To mark the 20th anniversary of the initiative, commemorative pins and jackets were presented to current security personnel actively involved in MEGAPORT operations. The event also recognised and appreciated the contributions of pioneer members of the SLPA Security Division attached to the initiative, including retired Assistant Superintendents R. M. Abeykoon Bandara, I. L. Aruna Priyanga, and K. M. R. R. Ranasinghe, whose dedication laid the foundation for the programme’s long-standing success.Sri Lanka Ports Authority Chairman Admiral (Retd.) Sirimewan Ranasinghe, Sri Lanka Customs Director General Seevali Arukgoda, Sri Lanka Atomic Regularity Council Director General Kapila De Silva, SLPA Managing Director Ganaka Hemachandra, Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board Director Prasad Mahakumara, US Embassy Regional Indo Pacific Strategy Coordinator Dustin Bickel, SLPA Harbour Master Capt. Nirmal Silva, Director Security Air Vice Marshal Dilshan Wasage, US Embassy Senior Defense Official Lt. Col. Matthew House, Sri Lanka Navy - Port Facility Security Officer and Harbour Security Coordinator, Security Coordinators of all Container Terminals including JCT, SAGT, CICT, CECT, CWIT, Officials of SLPA Electrical Engineering Division, Information System Division and Security Division were among notable invitees of this anniversary celebration event.
