No deal with Pakistan on n-plant: Sri Lanka

YAHOO! NEWS

Colombo, July 28 (IANS) Sri Lanka Saturday denied reports that it was to build a nuclear power plant in the east of the country with the assistance from Pakistan.

Terming the reports as misleading, Sri Lankan Minister for Power and Energy Champika Ranawaka said it could harm the relations Sri Lanka has with its neighbours, Xinhua reported.

"Sri Lanka has no agreement with any country for a nuclear power station. The false reports are harming cordial relations between countries," Ranawaka said at a special media briefing held on the issue.

Some media reports earlier this week in India claimed that Sri Lanka would have discussions with Pakistan on the setting up of a nuclear power plant in Sampur, Trincomallee in eastern Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's Atomic Energy Authority (AEA) last month decided to take measures to establish a warning system to be on alert of a possible radiation leak from nearby countries.

Following the request of AEA, the International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA) decided to help Sri Lanka set up seven early warning detectors in the country. Its need was mostly felt after India prepared to commission the Kudankulam nuclear power station in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the report said.

In April, Sri Lanka had expressed concerns over the nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu state, making India to give an assurance on the safety standards and on legal mechanism to deal with the trans-boundary liability issues.