Oil spill in Muthurajawela

Colombo (News1st): The Marine Environment Authority says legal action will be taken against those responsible for causing the oil spill in seas off Muturajawela. The Sri Lanka Navy said they are taking steps to remove the fuel together with the Department of Coast Conservation in order to minimise environmental pollution. It has been identified that the cause for the oil leak is due to the breakdown of a pipe that was unloading fuel that had arrived on the island from UAE. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation said the situation was brought back to normal yesterday (September 08). However, the fuel that had leaked into the sea could be seen in Dikkowita, Thaldiyawatte and Uswettakeyyawa. Speaking to the media Chairman of CPC Dammika Ranatunga stated confidently that they would be able to clean up the oil spill within 3 or 4 days, Dammika also rejected rumours that there was a fuel shortage, explaining that the fuel that leaked was used to generate electricity and that they had enough stocks for this purpose. General Manager of the Marine Environment Protection Authority Dr. Turney Pradeep Kumara said they will inform the locals in surrounding areas once it is cleaned and until then a request has been made not to use the area. He added that the toxic substances in the fuel may cause damages to the coral reefs and the marine life and they have already made arrangements to take legal action against the responsible company. Minister of Petroleum speaking about the incident said the pipeline ruptured as it is very old and that they are making plans to construct new ones. He said his main concern was the damage this may cause to the sea adding that they are doing their best to minimise this damage.