“Cooperation between private and governmental agencies is extremely important for sharing knowledge, technology, experience and resources.”
Sandun Akila, nuclear security incident management response team leader in the Sri Lankan police department, discusses the importance of cooperation between stakeholders to promote nuclear security and the personal benefits of achieving CNSP status.
How can cooperation between private and government agencies promote radioactive source security?
Cooperation between private and governmental agencies is extremely important for sharing knowledge, technology, experience and resources among them. Radioactive security is wider area of discipline and includes a collection of multiple tasks and responsibilities of each stakeholder. Private or governmental agencies individually are unable to fulfil security requirements for radioactive sources. When all the stakeholders come together for a joint security programme, the most successful radioactive security practices come out. By cooperating, all private and government sector stakeholders can train professionals, implement incident response plans, conduct peer reviews, perform threat assessments and conduct joint exercises to establish optimal radioactive security culture. Understanding each organisation’s tasks and responsibilities helps to promote radioactive security.
What was your WINS Academy elective? Why did you choose it?
My WINS academy elective was Nuclear Security Incident Management, and I selected this module because of its relevance to my role as the person in charge of the radioactive incident response unit in the special task force. I was responsible for guard force training, making arrangements for effective response, making tactical response plans for each facility etc. In the end WINS empowered me with sound knowledge of nuclear security and courage through international certification.
“WINS empowered me with sound knowledge of nuclear security and courage through international certification.”
What inspired you to become a WINS Academy Ambassador?
Becoming a WINS Academy Ambassador in such reputable organisation is great opportunity for my career prospects as well as for growing the Certified Nuclear Security Professional network. I’m contributing to establishing enhanced nuclear security structure in my country as well as the world.
What advice do you have for current WINS Academy learners or those considering enrolling?
I believe this opportunity will be the key turning point of your professional life. WINS modules with wider knowledge guide you to reach better positions in your organisation as well as exposing you to global nuclear security opportunities.
With strong determination and commitment, you will be able to become a CNSP as soon as possible and experience the privilege of joining this unique group of certified and skilled professionals.
From the Sri Lankan police department:
How has your organisation benefitted from Sandun achieving Certified Nuclear Security Professional status?
As the radioactive security incident response force in Sri Lanka, we really have benefitted from Sandun’s professional certification in the WINS Academy. Through his extensive nuclear security perspective, our organisation has been able to achieve goals successfully in radioactive security with his knowledge and competence. Now we are encouraged and credible, working together with different stakeholders to enhance radioactive security in the country. Furthermore he has assisted us in many ways such as radioactive incident planning, threat assessments, implementing joint security exercises, guard force training, and incident commanding.
“Through his extensive nuclear security perspective, our organisation has been able to achieve goals successfully in radioactive security.”
What role does WINS certification play in your institution’s professional development programme?
WINS certification plays an outstanding role in the organisation with its contribution to enhancing global nuclear security by developing, sharing and promoting excellence in nuclear security education. Continuing to improve nuclear security education in Sri Lanka is important. This would be a good opportunity to promote nuclear security among the stakeholders.
