Under the auspices of the Radiological and Nuclear Detection Awareness (RANDA) project, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a four-day national awareness training on Radiological and Nuclear Detection in Sri Lanka from 6 to 9 November 2023. This training program was a collaborative effort between the WCO and the US Department of Energy, NNSA / NSDD, with the primary goals of raising awareness among Customs officials regarding the threat posed by radiological and nuclear materials out of regulatory control and enhancing Customs' capabilities to counter this threat. A total of 25 Customs frontline officers undertaking radiological and nuclear detection duties participated in the training.

The workshop was officially opened by Additional Director General Achara Chandra Sekera, who expressed gratitude to the WCO Secretariat for organizing this vital awareness training for the Sri Lanka Customs. He emphasized the crucial role of Customs frontline officers in safeguarding against nuclear security threats in Sri Lanka.

The training covered various critical aspects, including the radiological and nuclear threat, the role of Customs in mitigating this threat, the legal framework, the transportation of radiological and nuclear materials, and risk management. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) virtually intervened in the training, presenting their initiatives and activities regarding RN nuclear security, enhancing participants' awareness of global efforts in this field. As a significant component of the training, a field visit to the Colombo mega port was organized, providing participants with an opportunity to observe the procedures and equipment used for the detection of radiological and nuclear materials. National expert trainers from Sri Lanka Customs collaborated with the WCO and NSDD in facilitating the sessions.