The President's Chief of Staff and Senior Adviser on National Security officially launched a program today (12) aimed at reducing the environmental damage caused to the coast of Sri Lanka by the distressed X-Press Pearl vessel which caught fire.
The program also involves using machinery to remove 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, Department of Coast Conservation, Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government, Central Environmental Authority, Environmental Police, Sri Lanka Navy, and Tudawe Brothers Private Limited.
Expressing his views on this occasion, Ratnayaka 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.
Ratnayaka 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.
The event was attended by Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Chairman of the Marine Environment Protection Authority Asela B. Rekawa, Chairman of the Clean Ocean Force Organization Jerome Fernando and other officials.
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