Following the detection of a container of radioactive cargo, the Sri Lankan authorities are considering installing radiation detectors at the airport, an official said here on Tuesday.

Sri Lankan authorities will hold discussions this week on whether to install radiation detectors at the country's only international airport, Civil Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne told media.

"We are considering the option as it could be the best way to prevent radioactive materials from entering the country. The discussions will be held with the Civil Aviation Authority officials," he said.

Last week Sri Lanka returned a metal shipment that arrived on an Indian vessel after local tests showed its contents were radioactive.

The tests, which were carried out by the Atomic Energy Authority (AEA), had revealed significant traces of Cobalt 60, which is a highly radioactive element used in the treatment of cancer.

The organization will also continue to test cargo arriving at Sri Lanka's main port in Colombo but no detection services are yet available for the airport.