COLOMBO (NewsRadio); A program was launched today to clean the coastal areas affected the fire onboard the X-Press Pearl vessel in 2021.
Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of the Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake officially launched the program today aimed at reducing the environmental damage caused to the coast of Sri Lanka by the distressed X-Press Pearl vessel.
The President’s Media Division said the program also involves using machinery to remove the garbage from the affected coast, and the launch took place at the Crow-Island beach in Mattakkuliya.
The program is jointly implemented by the Marine Environment Protection Authority, the Department of Coast Conservation, the Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government, the Central Environmental Authority, Environmental Police, Sri Lanka Navy, and a private entity.
Expressing his views, Senior Adviser Sagala Ratnayake said that Sri Lanka attracts tourists because of its beautiful beaches, environment, and cultural heritage.
Therefore, he emphasized that it is everyone’s responsibility to contribute to the tourism industry by protecting the coast as well as protecting the environment for the next generation.
Sagala Ratnayake added that he intends to continue implementing this coastal conservation program in a sustainable manner and that he anticipates receiving support from non-governmental organizations and resource persons in doing so.
