Nuclear-power matters: Privileges and immunity for IAEA delegates

Experts arriving in the country for nuclear-power-related matters will be entitled to obtain the services of the Attorney General’s Department.

The Cabinet provided approval to a proposal by the Foreign Affairs Minister and the Power and Energy Minister to sign an agreement with privileges and immunities for members of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) this week.

Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board Legal Officer and Secretary W.D. Sakurani Wijerathne said that experts would be receiving protection from the State for their work here.

“In case of an issue, the expert can ask for legal services from the AttorneyGeneral’s Department,” she said.

Ms Wijerathne said the agreement would also bring in technical support to the country and also euros.

She said the protection provided to IAEA members was different from the concept of diplomatic immunity.

Atomic Energy Board Chairman Prof. S.R.D. Rosa said that previously, IAEA officials enjoyed diplomatic immunity and did not come under Sri Lankan law

Under the agreement, protection would be given to foreign participants attending IAEA events held in Sri Lanka.

“If we do not sign this agreement, delegates would be reluctant to come to Sri Lanka,” Prof. Rosa said, adding that there were many other conventions to be signed.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said a date had not been fixed to sign the agreement.