PM inspects coastal area affected by ‘X-Press Pearl’ debris

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today (May 29) made an inspection visit to the coastal area in Uswetakeiyawa affected by the debris washed up from the fire-ravaged container ship ‘X-Press Pearl.’

During the inspection, he has given directives to the officials to expedite the provision of relief to fishermen affected by the situation, the PM’s Office stated.

Further, the prime minister instructed the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) to take all necessary measures to protect the marine environment.

A massive fire erupted in the cargo vessel ‘X-Press Pearl’ carrying Nitric Acid and other chemicals on May 20.

It was in anchorage about 9.5 nautical miles northwest of Colombo harbour at the time of the incident. The vessel had reached the location on May 19 before its entry into the harbour.

‘X-Press Pearl’ – registered under the flag of Singapore – had departed with 1,486 containers with 25 tons of Nitric Acid, several other chemicals and cosmetics from the port of Hazira, India on May 15.

Debris from the fire-stricken cargo ship washed up on the shores of Negombo in Ja-Ela, Kepumgoda, Seththappaduwa and Dungalpitiya areas.

Sri Lanka Navy in coordination with the MEPA launched a special operation to minimize the impact on Sri Lanka’s coast due to various debris including containers, possible chemical compounds and other hazardous material washing ashore, and to keep the public out of danger from getting in touch with such items.

Although the beaches are already covered in oil, the biggest problem at the moment is debris, mostly made up of tiny plastic granules, which has now spread along the west coast of Sri Lanka, the authorities have stressed.

Chairperson of MEPA Darshini Lahandapura stressed of a huge environmental issue of microplastics in the long run as a massive portion of plastic nurdles continue to accumulate underwater.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa meanwhile instructed the officials to pay special attention to minimizing the spread of oil around the vessel in the event of an oil spill while remaining vigilant about the prevailing adverse weather condition.

The fire was doused completely as of Friday, however, plumes of smoke were observed billowing from ‘X-Press Pearl’ off Colombo Harbour.

A joint effort launched by Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Indian Coast Guard and other stakeholders was in full swing for the past few days to control the fire aboard the Singapore-registered container ship.