Authorities are closely monitoring small oil patches reported along the coastal areas of Hikkaduwa and Dodanduwa, according to the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA).
Speaking at a media briefing held today (08), MEPA Chairman Samantha Gunasekara stated that the observed oil patches are very small in scale and do not currently indicate a large-scale oil spill.
Gunasekara revealed that four oil barrels had washed ashore along the affected coastline. Preliminary observations suggest that the substance could likely be lubricating oil, though authorities are awaiting confirmation. Samples collected from the beach have been sent to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) for detailed laboratory analysis.
The Chairman said it is not yet possible to determine which vessel the barrels originated from. Samantha Gunasekara noted that one of the barrels discovered today was severely damaged, making identification more difficult. Authorities suspect that the oil patches may have spread from these damaged barrels.
A joint operation involving several government agencies has already been carried out to clean the affected coastal areas. According to MEPA, approximately 99% of the oil contamination has now been removed.
In addition to the barrels, authorities reported that a shoe and a fragment of a life-saving boat had also washed ashore along the Hikkaduwa coastline.
MEPA officials also conducted deep-sea monitoring operations today, but no further oil traces or related debris were detected offshore.
Meanwhile, the MEPA is continuously monitoring coastal conditions in Hikkaduwa, Seenigama, Dodanduwa, Habaraduwa, Hiniduma and Galle using aerial imagery. The monitoring effort is being carried out with assistance from the Sri Lanka Air Force, the MEPA Chairman said.
Gunasekara confirmed that the first report of the oil patches was received yesterday (07). Since then, MEPA teams have been maintaining round-the-clock surveillance of the situation.
Officials also noted that there have so far been no reports of harmed marine wildlife, including turtles, dolphins, or fish, as a result of the incident.
Authorities continue to keep a close watch on the affected areas to ensure that the situation remains under control, MEPA Chairman Samantha Gunasekara added.
