Marine pollution prevention:

Plans mooted around Colombo Harbour

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE

The Ports and Highways Ministry has drawn especial attention towards preventing marine pollution in and around the Colombo Harbour, a Ministry official said.

The Ports Ministry will take steps to safeguard the harbour area following a recent oil leakage incident involving a foreign ship docked at the harbour.

Following this incident, the Colombo Additional Magistrate has ordered the Harbour Police to inquire into the issue. According to the police investigations, an oil leak had occurred from a ship which was docked at the Southern Jetty in the Colombo harbour. Reports will be forwarded to the Court on April 18. In terms of the 38th clause of the Marine Environmental Authority Act, discharging oil or any harmful substance to sea is illegal. If these terms are violated, legal action will be taken against the responsible parties.

However, considering the huge impact on the environment caused by leaking and discharging of oil and other harmful substances, the Ports Ministry will implement several measures aiming to safeguard the marine environment with immediate effect. A set of guidelines will have to be followed by ships.