COLOMBO (News 1st): Yesterday (September 29) we reported on the destruction caused to one of the top tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, the coast of Hummanaya and its surroundings.

Hummanaya is considered to be the second largest blowhole in the world and has attracted tourists from all across the world. However, the coastal line surrounding Hummanaya is covered with non-degrading material including;

• Polythene
• Fishing Nets
• Plastic bottles

Following the revelation by News 1st, the Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management noted that measures were taken to clean the beach of the polluted material.

“… We directed our attention to the News 1st report. The Tangalle pradeshiya sabha has been entrusted with the responsibility of cleaning the entrance way to Hummanaya and its surroundings. According to what was revealed in the news report, there is a lot of plastic waste.” said Prabhath Chandrakeerthi, Director General – Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management

The Director-General added that the Department discussed the matter with the Kudawella fisheries harbour and added that a certain amount of responsibility lies with the fishermen.

He said that measures to clean up the area within the week will be done by;

• Department of Coast Conservation
• Marine Environment Protection Authority
• Sri Lanka Ports Authority
• Ceylon Fisheries Corporation

“The public too has a responsibility to make sure they too minimize pollution to the best of their ability …” he added,

When News 1st contacted the Chairman of the Tangalle Pradeshiya Sabha Lalitha Wanigasekera, he said it is the Department of Coast Conservation that is entrusted with the responsibility of cleaning the beach.

He said the Pradeshiya Sabha will take measures to clean up the road and surrounding areas.