NARA to conduct special investigation on clinical waste in Puttalam

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Director General of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), Attorney Buddhika Iddamalgoda says that a special investigation is underway to ascertain the impact of clinical waste that washed up on the shores of Puttalam on marine life and surrounding ecosystems. He further noted that samples of seawater were brought to Colombo to perform tests to ascertain if the sea area was contaminated by the pollutants. The Director-General informs the public to refrain from engaging in fishing activities and consumption of fish in the sea area until a test report is issued. On the 13th of this month, News1srt reported that clinical waste believed to be from India has washed up on shores of Puttalam. Clinical waste has collected along a 10 kilometre stretch of coastline from Udappuwa to Thoduwawa. Our correspondent in the area reported that a majority of the waste comprised of plastic containers, discarded vaccines, discarded syringes and other clinical materials.